Woman.
What makes me a woman? Well, in short, God made me a woman. The moment I was conceived, God assigned me that gender. He gave me my identity and purpose from the very beginning. According to Merriam-Webster, a woman is defined to be “an adult female person.” I want to argue that a woman is more than that. I will specifically be speaking on a biblical woman. Many can identify as women, but I want to focus on those of us owning the role God has given us.
A Woman is a Nurturer
I have been blessed to be surrounded by many women who exemplify what it means to nurture. I see mothers caring for their children and even non-mothers helping give tired mothers a much-needed break. As women, we are called to care for one another regardless of age. I know plenty of women who love and care for me. The gift of nurturing is for mothers and women of all ages. You may not be called to be a mother, but you can always teach and lend a hand to those in need. As nurturing women, we help each other grow in His wisdom and raise each other up with His word. We cannot make it through this life alone, and we all need strong nurturing women to help us along the way.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Colossians 3:16 ESV
A Woman is a Helper
When God created Eve, he made her a helpmate for Adam, and like Eve, we are called to be helpmates. There are many ways in which we can help. We can volunteer for the nursery, bring refreshments on Sunday, and teach and disciple other women in the church. Many think the word helpmate is limiting, and the Bible is oppressive, but I think it’s all about perspective. Many may think because a woman is called to be a helpmate, she cannot lead, but that is not true. As a woman, I am given a godly role that I take seriously. As a wife, I stand by my husband and help him in any way he needs, but even before marriage, I helped out in the church. As a paralegal, I know I do not have a law degree, but that does not make me feel less than my attorney; I help him, and if I didn’t, he wouldn’t be able to get much done. I do not feel belittled in my role as a helper, and you shouldn’t either. Don’t give into the world’s mentality; the role God has given us is a blessing and not a limitation if you look at it with a spiritual lens. We are fearfully and wonderfully made and blessed with a purpose. Some may not know the purpose yet, but God will reveal it in time.
“Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.”
1 Corinthians 11:11-12 ESV
A Woman is Beautiful
Apples, pears, and hourglasses are ways to describe our bodies. We May look down on ourselves because some might feel past our prime; we are no longer as pretty as we were. We are covered in wrinkles and cellulite and possibly have stubborn belly fat that we can’t eliminate, but none of this makes us less beautiful in God’s eyes. We are made in His likeness! That should be encouraging. I am not saying we shouldn’t take care of our bodies or exercise, but maybe we can stand to be a little less hard on ourselves; I know I can. I may not look like I did on my wedding day, but that doesn’t make my husband love me any less. You see, our beauty is not merely external but what comes from inside. Have you ever come across a beautiful woman with a stank attitude? I’m sure you won’t see her with the same level of beauty anymore after that. However, a soft-spoken, humble woman will always be beautiful regardless of her looks. God looks at the heart and our intentions. We should seek to honor Him in the way we dress and behave. Am I a perfect example of this, by no means, but I strive to get better at reflecting Christ day by day.
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV
I want to encourage you to rejoice and be glad that God made you a woman, fearfully and wonderfully made, with a role and purpose. I want to encourage you to seek Him and find ways to put biblical womanhood into practice. I want you to feel joy knowing God made no mistake when He created you.
#womenoftheword #reformedtheology #reformedchristian #biblicalwomanhood
In the journey of understanding what it truly means to be a woman, it’s essential to identify the roles that scripture outlines. One foundational aspect is the Biblical perspective on womanhood, which transcends societal definitions and expectations. Rather than viewing being a woman through worldly lenses, the Bible presents a narrative of empowerment and purpose. Women are portrayed not just as support figures but as crucial contributors to the community and family. The nurturing aspect, which includes emotional support, guidance, and teaching, is vital. Many women find fulfillment in fostering environments of growth for themselves and others. Additionally, roles such as those found in Proverbs 31 exemplify strength, wisdom, and industriousness, encouraging women to thrive in various capacities, from family to career. Moreover, the concept of beauty in womanhood is profoundly emphasized in scripture, where inner beauty often outweighs physical appearance. God values the qualities of the heart—compassion, humility, and a gentle spirit. This understanding can help women embrace their unique attributes and reject harmful societal pressures that dictate worth solely based on looks. By fostering a community that supports these principles, women can inspire each other to honor their divine design and cultivate their spiritual and personal growth. As we explore these themes, it encourages intentional conversations about how women can uplift each other and embody the virtues taught in the Bible. Together, we can redefine womanhood, rooted in faith and inspired by God’s truth.
He who obeys the law will never know the fatal consequences of disobedience, but he who despises the law shall be liable to a double penalty Plato 360 BCE VIII Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. Revelation 18:6