Compassion In Action: The Heart of a Proverbs 31 Woman
As one month ends and a new one begins, so does a new Project 31 initiative. If you're just joining this blog series, Project 31 is an initiative I began as I turned 31 this past March. Each month, I write a post expanding on a certain characteristic of a Proverbs 31 woman in the hopes of better embodying that characteristic in the month to come. This is a year-long becoming journey and we're officially halfway through. Be sure to go back and read the other posts in this series, and carry this wisdom with you in your heart as you grow closer to God and to the woman He has called you to be.
This month's topic focus is service and compassion. In prior months, we've discussed the strength of a Proverbs 31 woman, her trustworthiness, her intelligence, her honorable work and disciplined daily rhythm. We've looked at how she cares for her husband and household. This month, I want to dive deeper into how she cares for those she is not responsible for, how she serves in her community, and has a heart of compassion for the less fortunate.
She seeks out the needy. Her heart is generous in all circumstances. She is compassion in action.
"She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20
As Christians, we understand the call to generousity. We understand the call to bear each other's burdens, to not turn your back on a friend or brother. But the Proverbs 31 woman takes compassion a step further. She doesn't wait for a request or for a need to present. She seeks out the needy. She seeks out the poor. She extends her hand. She reaches out. She fulfills the need of the needy without prompting. She concerns herself with the needs of others, with the needs of those who can do nothing for her. This is perhaps the purest part of the heart of a Proverbs 31 woman.
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26
The Proverbs 31 woman's generosity towards others is wrapped in kindness. She gives with a compassionate heart not a condemning one. She does not hold her gifts over the receiver's head. She does not keep a record of debt, expecting her kindness to be repaid. Nor does she give from a place of obligation, self-righteousness, or performance. She gives because she wants to. Her heart is generous. She has the heart of a giver. And she gives not only materially but spiritually.
Scripture repeatedly reveals that wisdom is more valuable than gold, which is why a virtuous wife is described as more precious than rubies. A virtuous wife is a wise wife. She carries immeasurable worth. What is often overlooked is that this woman is not only wise, she has wisdom to give. Wisdom is the greatest gift you can offer another and the Proverbs 31 woman does just that.
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30
The Proverbs 31 woman fears the Lord. Fear is another way of saying loves, honors, obeys. She loves the Lord. She honors the Lord. She obeys the Lord. It is her relationship with the Lord that has crafted her heart of compassion, service, and generosity.
Her relationship with the Lord changes how she sees people. She understands all people are deserving of love and kindness. She loves them, because God is the God of love. She gives generously because she does not hold tightly to material things. She views her possessions as things to steward wisely. Part of that stewardship is using them to spread love, kindness, and the light of Christ. She knows her worth is not sourced from her bank account. She knows God will provide for her and giving to others is not losing. It's loving.
She is a peaceful woman, a peaceful giver.
"Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:31
She is a woman known for her good works, known for her heart of compassion, known for her service. To be known is to have impact. In order to have impact, you must act. Not just pray quietly at home and then turn a blind eye to those in need in public. The impact a Proverbs 31 woman has is directly connected to her seeking out those in need.
"Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all." Proverbs 31:29
If you want to be a daughter who excels, a woman of impact, a woman who is compassion in action, make the following a priority:
Strengthen your relationship with the Lord and ask Him to sanctify your heart, opening your heart to those in need, nudging you towards those you are equipped to help. And ask Him to equip you to help others whether that is materially, emotionally, or spiritually.
Seek out those in need. This is bigger than donating to charities from behind your computer screen. If you see someone in distress, reach out to them. Pray with them. Ask them what they need. If you know someone with a specific need, fulfill it even if they haven't asked.
Don't wait to be asked. Act.
Grow your wisdom and be ready to share it, because it is a gift of immeasurable worth.
A Prayer For The Woman Becoming
Lord, thank You for this journey of becoming. Thank You for Your Word and the wisdom You offer. Thank You for Your healing power and the transformation I feel taking place inside me. It is all You, Lord. I thank You for the ways in which You're healing me, the ways in which You're crafting me. I thank You for the ways in which You're equipping me to glorify You through serving and loving others.
Lord, I ask You to continue sanctifying me. I ask You to continue to heal my heart and give me a heart of compassion, the heart of a generous giver. Show me who to help. Show me who to seek out. Put me in position to address the needs of the needy. Equip me to meet their need. Equip me with wisdom. And give me the words to speak life over them in prayer.
Lord, let me be a woman with kingdom impact.
In Jesus' name, all these things I ask, Amen.
Comments