Raising Boys Who Respect Girls By Dave WillisSýnishorn

Jesus did more to elevate women than anyone else in history. He carried out his earthly ministry in a time when females were placed on the social hierarchy somewhere between animals and men, but Jesus elevated their status through his words, his actions, and his miracles. His countercultural approach to women was viewed as one of the most radical aspects of his ministry.

It’s ironic that the very church Jesus started is now seen by many as an institution with repressive roots when it comes to respecting women. Both inside and outside the church, we need a history lesson about what Jesus actually did and what he actually taught. His timeless example is still our best example. . . 

One of the most complicated dynamics in raising boys who respect girls is teaching boys that God created them to be visual and to be attracted to women’s physical appearance, but, left unchecked, their visual appetites could warp their thinking and replace respect with objectification. This is one of the most important lessons we should be teaching our sons. It’s also one of the most difficult for them to practice and is a lifelong struggle for most men. But Jesus, through his life, taught men how to respect women instead of lusting after them. I’d even argue that Jesus taught men how to look at women. Sure, we don’t have photographs or videos showing how Jesus interacted with women, but the Gospels paint a vivid picture. In light of the historical context, we can see much about how Jesus must have looked at women. He looked at them with compassion, genuine concern, and grace. . . .

Jesus wanted to make it clear that God’s plan for sex was specifically within the context of a monogamous, lifelong marriage. Later, the apostle Paul would take this teaching even further by reminding Christ-followers that to have sex is to become “one” with that person in a sacred way, and we should never become one with prostitutes. The very arrangement dehumanizes and disrespects all people involved and replaces love with lust.

Jesus’ message was consistently about love, and the Bible consistently displays how love is the opposite of lust. Respect for women and lust of women can’t coexist in the same mind. Each day, we must decide which one gets to stay.