Demeanour refers to one's outward behavior or bearing, encompassing aspects such as conduct, attitude, and appearance. In the context of biblical teachings, demeanour is an important reflection of one's inner spiritual state and relationship with God. The Bible provides numerous insights into how believers are to conduct themselves, emphasizing virtues such as humility, gentleness, and self-control.

Biblical Principles of Demeanour

1. Humility and Gentleness: The Bible frequently highlights the importance of humility and gentleness in one's demeanour. In Ephesians 4:2, the Apostle Paul urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." This passage underscores the significance of a humble and gentle spirit as a reflection of one's calling in Christ.

2. Self-Control: Self-control is a key aspect of Christian demeanour. In Galatians 5:22-23, self-control is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." A believer's ability to exercise self-control is indicative of the Holy Spirit's work within them, guiding their actions and reactions.

3. Peace and Peacemaking: A peaceful demeanour is encouraged throughout Scripture. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude highlights the value placed on those who actively pursue peace, reflecting a demeanour that seeks reconciliation and harmony.

4. Respect and Honor: The Bible instructs believers to show respect and honor in their interactions with others. In 1 Peter 2:17, it is written, "Show proper respect to everyone, love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." This verse calls for a demeanour that respects authority and values the dignity of all individuals.

5. Joy and Thankfulness: A joyful and thankful demeanour is a testament to one's faith and trust in God. Philippians 4:4 encourages believers to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Additionally, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." These passages emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive and grateful attitude, regardless of circumstances.

Examples of Demeanour in Scripture

· Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of perfect demeanour is found in Jesus Christ. His life exemplified humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to God's will. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

· The Apostle Paul: Paul often spoke of his own conduct as a model for others. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, he writes, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Paul's life demonstrated a demeanour of perseverance, humility, and dedication to the Gospel.

· The Proverbs 31 Woman: Proverbs 31:25-26 describes a woman of noble character: "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Her demeanour is marked by strength, wisdom, and kindness.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive guide for believers on how to cultivate a demeanour that reflects their faith and commitment to God. Through humility, self-control, peace, respect, joy, and thankfulness, Christians are called to embody the character of Christ in their daily lives.

Fragment viii. Those, Moreover, who have the Care of the Emperor's ...
... If the emperor visits her imperial majesty, or she him, then should ye also be
most circumspect in eye and demeanour, and in all your words. ...
/.../theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment viii those moreover who.htm

With and Like Christ
... led them to remember what, of course, they knew before, only that it had not struck
them so forcibly, as explaining the Apostles' demeanour" viz.,'that they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/with and like christ.htm

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
... Let them wisely beware how they reprove, and for what causes, so that they rebuke
none with an irritable demeanour, or with harsh and angry words, from which ...
/.../xxvi sermon for st peters.htm

On the Feast of St Timothy, or the Memorial of St Peter
... Let them wisely beware how they reprove, and for what causes, so that they rebuke
none with an irritable demeanour, or with harsh and angry words, from which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xii on the feast.htm

The Bequest of Peace.
... the same freedom from anxiety about results, the same speedy recovery of composure
after anything which for a moment ruffled the calm surface of His demeanour. ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xi the bequest of peace.htm

Essay v. Whose Powers Shed Round Him in the Common Strife...
... in their general communion, and far more than our climate, or natural temper, have
caused that haughtiness and reserve in our outward demeanour, which is so ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay v whose powers shed.htm

Jesus is Arrested.
... of Annas and Caiphas were situated, I saw a band of about fifty soldiers, who carried
torches, and appeared ready for anything; the demeanour of these men was ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter iii jesus is arrested.htm

The Epistle Written by Malchion,
... being escorted by multitudes of people going before him and following him; so that
he brought ill-will and hatred on the faith by his haughty demeanour and by ...
/.../malchion/the epistle of malchion/i the epistle written by malchion.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... flood hath so overflown, that no banks can restrain it, no fences are able to resist
it; so that ordinary conversation is full of it, and no demeanour can be ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

Pauline Enters the Carmel
... Endeavouring one evening, on our way home from school, to imitate the modest demeanour
of the hermits, I said to Marie: "Lead me, I am going to shut my eyes ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter iii pauline enters the.htm

Demeanour (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Demeanour (3 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons,
in the same way, must be men of serious demeanour, not ...
/d/demeanour.htm - 7k

Demeanor (1 Occurrence)

/d/demeanor.htm - 6k

Demented (1 Occurrence)

/d/demented.htm - 6k

Madman (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 21:13 And he changed his demeanour before them, and feigned himself mad
in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle ...
/m/madman.htm - 8k

Scribbled (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 21:13 And he changed his demeanour before them, and feigned himself mad
in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle ...
/s/scribbled.htm - 6k

Saul (371 Occurrences)
... into another man." The simple countryman was transformed into the king of Israel,
a remarkable change suddenly took place in his whole demeanour, and the ...
/s/saul.htm - 76k

Serious (31 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons, in the same way, must be men of serious demeanour, not
double-tongued, nor addicted to much wine, nor greedy of base gain, (WEY BBE RSV). ...
/s/serious.htm - 15k

Base (127 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons, in the same way, must be men of serious demeanour, not
double-tongued, nor addicted to much wine, nor greedy of base gain, (WEY DBY). ...
/b/base.htm - 45k

Gain (142 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons, in the same way, must be men of serious demeanour, not
double-tongued, nor addicted to much wine, nor greedy of base gain, (WEY DBY NAS ...
/g/gain.htm - 39k

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