by Angel Yong
Throughout Scripture, we see God’s heart for all of humanity. We are to live a life that is guided by godly principles and values, treating others with love, respect, and kindness. In essence, we are to live as Jesus did.
As women, we can look to God’s Word for encouragement and exhortation on living godly lives. Here are seven passages in the Bible with nuggets of wisdom, teaching us how to live in a way that honours our Creator and those around us.
1. “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” – Titus 2:3-5
Here, Paul advises older women to teach younger women how to live a godly life. He encourages women to set an example for those younger than them by living a life that is characterised by reverence, self-control, kindness, and purity.
It’s a great reminder that even as we go through life, we are a living testimony to those who come after us.
2. “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26
The Proverbs 31 woman is often held as the ideal woman, describing a godly wife, mother and leader in her circles of influence. We can do well to learn from the traits she possesses.
The verse above spotlights wisdom, putting forward that the Proverbs 31 woman is intelligent, discerning, and able to speak with insight and clarity. Additionally, the woman is characterised by her kindness, and these qualities positively impact the people around her.
3. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”- 1 Peter 3:3-4
Many of us know that true beauty comes from the heart and the character of the individual, but we can struggle to believe it especially in a world that focuses so much on the outward appearance.
Here we are reminded to recognise the importance of inner beauty and character over external adornment, along with cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit that is pleasing to God.
4. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
God has shown what is good and what is required of us as Christ-followers, and it involves acting justly, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God.
It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of living a just and righteous life. As women, we have leading voices in businesses, churches and families. We must steward our God-given responsibilities well. In order to do so, this verse clearly states the kind of attitude and character we must have if we seek to follow God.
5. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”- Galatians 5:22-2
Living a life that reflects the values of faith is important in every woman’s life, as well as a call to rely on the Holy Spirit for the strength and guidance needed to do so.
This much-quoted verse is often seen as a list of qualities to achieve but in fact is a list of outcomes, what we will display as fruits when the Holy Spirit dwells within and guides our daily choices.
When we fully surrender to God and allow the Spirit to work within us, we can be women who display extraordinary grace, goodness and love to those around us.
6. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
As Christians, our lives must point towards Jesus Christ. This verse is a call to be a positive influence in the world and to use one’s words and actions to bring God’s light and hope to those around them.
7. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
In a world that constantly redefines beauty, morality and the standard of perfection, following the patterns of this world will only leave us drained and empty. The pressure to conform is real, but true joy comes from being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The renewal of our minds can only happen through time spent with God’s Word, in worship and prayer. But as we are transformed day by day, we discover our true worth and where our purpose lies.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, remember that being a godly woman is a lifelong journey. Every day is an opportunity to become more like Christ, to lead others into the fulfilling reality of loving and being loved by Him.
To every woman, you are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image!
