In a world where masculinity is often labeled as “toxic” and burdened with negative connotations, I believe now more than ever that we are called to embody Biblical manhood. As someone who is fully confident in both my identity as a man and, more importantly, as a child of God, I feel led to share my heart on what it means to be a man after God’s own heart.
One of my favorite passages is found in Joshua 1:7–9, which reads:
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7–9 NIV)
What stands out to me in this passage is that the command to be “strong and courageous” is repeated twice. To me, this is not presented as a suggestion—it is a divine imperative. Especially in today’s culture, we need men who are unapologetically bold in proclaiming the love of God, even when it is unpopular. We need men who reflect the mercy that God so graciously extends to us. We need men who are strong in spirit and courageous in character—men who are not afraid to go against the grain and stand firm in their faith.
Society may label our convictions as “radical,” “outdated,” or even “hateful.” But the truth is simple: God is love. And we are called to love. In Matthew 22:36–40, Jesus beautifully distills the law into two commandments:
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36–40 NIV)
We are called to love God fully and to love our neighbor equally. And here’s where it gets real: your neighbor might be gay, trans, Republican, Democrat, atheist, rude, hateful, judgmental—or yes, even a Patriots fan. But we’re not called to pick and choose who deserves love. We’re called to love the sinner, not the sin. To show them Jesus—not through condemnation, but through compassion, authenticity, and unwavering truth.
And here’s the good news: we’re not responsible for changing hearts. Our job is simply to plant the seed. The Holy Spirit will convict, cultivate, and bring growth. We sow; God transforms.
This very blog post is my own response to God’s gentle but persistent call to do. And I’ll be honest—this doesn’t come easy for me. I’ve always been more of a “behind-the-scenes” believer—making sure everything runs smoothly but never seeking the spotlight. Writing this is me stepping out of my comfort zone and into a space where God can shine through me. My prayer is that He alone receives the glory.
As it’s written in Matthew 28:16–20:
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:16–20 NIV)
Let this be our charge: make disciples, teach truth, and know that He is with us always.
A Simple Challenge
I want to leave you with a challenge—one that I’m doing myself.
This week, call one person and tell them you love them. Not a text. Not a comment. A call. Pick someone you love but haven’t spoken to in a while. Get uncomfortable. Stretch your voice. Why? Because if we can’t speak life and love to those we already care about, how will we ever do it for strangers who need Jesus?
I love you.
I thank you for taking the time to read this.
And I pray that you will be strong in Christ, courageous in faith, and bold in proclaiming His love wherever you go.
God bless you.
I love you! – Austin B. Grant
Austin’s Ramblings 
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