As a woman of God, you can look to the godly women of Scripture for inspiration. They shared human weaknesses and virtues while persevering in faith. Their stories are as old as Eve and as unique as Ruth, Sarah, Esther, and other women of the Old Testament.
The New Testament offers insights from women who were part of Christ’s life. The stories of Elizabeth, Anna, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Nazareth, and others don’t fit predictable molds.
They were single, married, or widowed. Some were poor, forgotten, or banished. Others were wealthy and powerful. Some lived a virtuous life, while others had lost their way. Most stepped up and answered Christ’s call to a more selfless, God-centered life.
“Martha, Martha!” Christ’s lesson on listening.
Many women sympathize with Martha. She opened her door to Jesus and His disciples. She whipped up a meal and waited on her guests. Mary sat at our Lord’s feet and listened to every word.
The disciples may have talked about travels, fishing, or the weather as they enjoyed Martha’s meal. More likely, however, Christ’s authority and the power of His words commanded their attention. This was often the case whether Christ was at home, in the Temple, in a boat, at a wedding, or on a hillside. He still speaks to us through prayer, Scripture, and the Spirit. When Christ speaks, listening is always the first priority.
“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.’ “ – [Luke 10:38-42, NIV]
What does it mean to be a godly woman?
Good qualities in a woman stem from the greatest commandment, which is love [Matthew 22:36-40]. God-fearing women of faith in the Bible remind us that a godly woman is:
1. Prayerful
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” [Acts 1:14]
Prayer puts God where He belongs in your life: first. It’s the foundation for a close, strong, and eternal relationship. It keeps thoughts, desires, and actions rooted in God’s will. If you trust Him, He’ll guide you in ways exclusive to your calling in life.
2. Virtuous
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” [Galatians 5:22-2]
When you walk in the Spirit, God directs your steps. The Spirit helps you to strengthen virtues and tame vices. God’s word reminds you to witness and share Christ’s love. Your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers need that. It might be an uplifting word, a helping hand, slowness to judge, or refusal to gossip. Small acts that were done in love matter.
3. Industrious
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” [Proverbs 31:26-27]
Today, idleness can look like binge-watching dramas, following “Reality” TV, bragging on social media, or texting while ignoring people in front of you.
You may scan social media news feeds or click on viral memes, celebrity updates, and virtue-signaling podcasts. You might envy old friends who have more fans, friends, or superficially “perfect” lives than you.
With so many stars, bells, and whistles, you might overlook real relationships, responsibilities, and constructive actions. Rationing digital connectivity can help you tend to more important and fruitful priorities.
4. Service-oriented
“Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” [John 12:26]
Christ commanded us to love and serve one another as He modeled for us [John 13:34]. You can serve God by caring for the people in your life. That includes giving to your church and supporting faith-based community outreach. You can pray and fast. However you serve—from daily duties to volunteer time, talent, and resources—you’re serving Christ within “the least of these” [Matthew 25:35-45].
5. Loving
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” [1 Corinthians 13:1]
Orchestras use gongs or cymbals for dramatic emphasis or a grand finale. But our human ears and sensibilities can only tolerate so much drama and noise. Love doesn’t command, “Look at me!” but says, “I’m looking at – and caring about – you.” Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians offers a better way. Godly women model a type of love that:
- Is patient and kind
- Does not envy or boast
- Is not arrogant or rude
- Does not insist on its own way
- Is not irritable or resentful
Becoming a virtuous, godly woman is a lifelong effort made possible by the grace of God and the power of a Christ-centered life.
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