A Blessed Woman: A Kind Heart
Proverbs 31 presents us with the ideal of the virtuous woman, and in the facet of being a mother, it doesn’t present us with a supermom who has everything under control, but rather a blessed woman.
In this lesson from our Smiling at the Future series, we’ll see the main responsibilities of each mother and what we should demonstrate to our children. If you’re not a mother, these principles also apply in relation to those who are under our influence.
What Does It Mean to Be a Blessed Woman?
The expression used in Proverbs 31:28 is that this woman’s children rise up and call her blessed. Let me emphasize that her children, or those under her influence, could use many terms to describe and praise her.
However, the expression that for them summarizes this woman’s qualities is “blessed,” so we need to pause and understand what it really means to be blessed.
A blessed woman is a joyful/happy woman, for she has received a good that satisfies her. Although we can recognize many goods or good fortunes that we receive daily, we’ve studied that this woman fears the Lord and acknowledges God in everything.
So a blessed woman is one who recognizes the good that God has granted us, and therefore responds to that good. Being a blessed woman is not about our achievements, our abilities, or our results, but about the goodness we have received from God.
How Does a Blessed Woman Live?
This characteristic of being blessed is not simply a title we carry, it’s reflected in our entire life in an evident way that others can recognize it. It’s true that today this expression might not be used to describe us outside of believer circles, but these four characteristics should be notable in our life in all spheres where we operate.
Recognition of God’s Goodness
A blessed woman is conscious of the good that the Lord has done, from creation to the salvation we don’t deserve. We’ll see everything as coming from God’s hand and approach situations with a different attitude than other women do.
Worship to God for His Goodness
Upon recognizing that goodness, we respond in worship to God. We’ll live our days remembering and declaring God’s character and His wonderful works. Not because everything is perfect, but because we recognize that He is good and His goodness never changes.
Rejoicing in God’s Goodness
This woman’s life is full of joy even in the midst of difficulties, because she trusts and rests in the fact that God will continue to be good. As we’ve seen, this woman smiles at the future without fear, because she knows who the Lord is.
Proclaiming That Goodness to Others
A blessed woman doesn’t keep God’s goodness just for herself, she also takes care to communicate that goodness to others, both to her children and to everyone around her. She proclaims the word of truth with confidence, strengthens others with the truth of who God is, confronts with the grace of the gospel, and helps others recognize God’s goodness.
How Are We Living?
Again, perhaps no one around you uses the word “blessed” to describe you, but we can start to evaluate our life and the example we’re showing others. This week or month, be intentional about looking at how you’re recognizing and responding to God’s goodness.
- Share with someone close a specific way you’ve seen God’s goodness
- How do you see God’s goodness in your daily life?
- How can you worship God for His goodness, even in difficult times?
- Identify one way you can teach your children about God’s goodness this week
A Blessed Mom
Now that we understand what a blessed woman is and what principles should be reflected in our life, including our care of children, Proverbs 31 also tells us there are three key areas we should focus on:
Providing Food
What’s necessary for the physical and nutritional sustenance of the members of our household.
Protection and Clothing
Providing the necessary clothing so they’re protected in different stages of life.
Teaching with Wisdom
The discipline and teaching offered are grounded in the truth of the Gospel and the fear of the Lord.
These are the three areas where we should dedicate our efforts as mothers, and I need to clarify that in none of them are we called to provide what’s in accordance with fashion, brands, or the most popular ideas of the season.
Rather, we’re to cover essential needs. We must be very careful not to put worldly expectations on ourselves that make us worry about things outside of these.
If you decide to follow a particular diet for your family, do it out of health and wellness conviction, not because it’s what society expects. The same with clothing, it’s not about having the best or most innovative, but providing the essential.
Similarly, we must keep in mind that when disciplining and teaching, there are many methods that can be beneficial, but the most important thing is that we demonstrate God’s goodness and proclaim the truth.
When looking at your efforts in motherhood, what stands out in your life? Are you seeking others’ approval according to your lifestyle and parenting, or are you fulfilling the basic areas of your role?
May it be that as years pass, our children can look back and see a mom who wasn’t anxious about meeting the world’s standards, but a blessed mom who provided what was necessary and showed them the truth of the gospel not only with words, but with her life.
I’m Not Only a Mom
It’s essential to remember that our identity is not defined by our role as a mom, nor by the “success” or “failure” we might have as moms. Our children’s achievements don’t determine who we are. Our value comes from being daughters of God, redeemed in Christ.
While it’s true that as mothers we have the beautiful calling to raise and disciple these little people so they know the gospel and show them the beauty of what it is to live to reflect God’s image and glorify Him.
Our greatest calling is to live, recognizing and responding to the goodness we have received from God.
Being a Woman Who Smiles at the Future
A blessed woman who trusts in God’s goodness and faithfulness smiles at the future because she knows in whom she has trusted. She rests in this confidence, applying these truths in our daily life while proclaiming and worshiping God for His constant goodness.
I hope this lesson inspires you to be a blessed woman, one who reflects and proclaims the Lord’s goodness around her, living balanced and anchored in His Word.
The next lesson will explore the priorities of this virtuous woman as she watches over the ways of her household.
