The Proverbs 31 Blueprint - Part 6
The Life of a Virtuous Woman series - Her Community Involvement
One of the principal rules of religion is, to lose no occasion of serving God. And, since he is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve him in our neighbor; which he receives as if done to himself in person, standing visibly before us. – John Wesley
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor: yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. – Proverbs 31:20
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. – Proverbs 31:23
Strength and honour are her clothing: and she shall rejoice in time to come. – Proverbs 31:25
She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness. – Proverbs 31:26
The virtuous woman’s influence doesn’t stop at the door of her home. She’s involved in her community. With a heart of love and compassion, she reaches out to the poor and needy – a people group who can never repay her.
She’s approachable and respected. People know they can come to her for sound advice presented in a kindly manner. With outstretched hands, she extends comfort to those in need, and her words of kindness touches the poor in spirit. She is the hands and feet of Jesus.
A Dynamic Duo
The virtuous woman and her husband are involved in the community, and they each play important roles. He is a leader and head of his household. She is well known by the way she conducts herself as his helpmeet. The activities they are involved in and the effort they put forth is a compliment and a reflection upon each other and their family.
Husbands and wives have unique roles that God designed. The couple who understands their individual roles and thrives in them is admired. When spouses are in alignment to God’s plan, they are more effective as a team.
The virtuous woman is known to be industrious. She not only takes care of her home, but she is visible in the community, helping the needy, and supplying the merchants with handmade products. They know who she is married to, and she makes him look good.
A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. – Charles Spurgeon
Love Thy Neighbor
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:30-31
The natural overflow of a life that has been changed because of Christ is to extend the love of Christ to others. People don’t need judgement. They don’t need to hear another critical voice. They need to know someone genuinely cares about them, and they need to see Jesus in our actions. We may be the only Jesus some will ever see.
Every interaction with someone is an opportunity to minister in word and deed. Every encounter could be an assignment God has given us to impact a life. We should leave people in a better place than when we found them – offer an encouraging word, make them smile, lift their spirits.
Encouragement is awesome. It (can) actually change the course of another person’s day, week, or life. – Chuck Swindoll
As Christians, we have something valuable to share with others – the gospel of Jesus Christ. People are hurting. They need to know about Jesus – His mercy and grace – and they need to be introduced to a satisfying, meaningful life that can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The virtuous woman lives an intentional life for the Lord. She is representing Christ well everywhere she goes, and she is making an impact in the lives of others.
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. – Proverbs 3:27
We are all called to “Do Something”. Need ideas? Check out this video.
Note: Video can be muted, if you prefer. The images speak for themselves.