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Reimagining the Woman in Proverbs 31: A Contemporary Perspective

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and as we prepare to celebrate the amazing women in our lives, it’s natural to reflect upon the significant roles these special women have had in our lives. 

Mothers and motherly figures embody the virtues of the woman in Proverbs 31–strong, diligent, and compassionate. One of the most well-known biblical passages about the epitome of virtuous womanhood, Proverbs 31:10-31 poetically forms a compelling image of the ideal woman–one who is devoted to her family and her faith, balancing multiple responsibilities with grace and wisdom. But what does it mean to be a Proverbs 31 woman in today's world? Today, we'll explore the qualities of this remarkable woman and consider how contemporary mothers can apply these traits to their own lives.

Overview of Proverbs 31:10-31

Inspiring countless women over the centuries, the woman described in Proverbs 31 offers a timeless model of noble character. The passage emphasizes her many roles: a devoted wife, a caring mother, and a shrewd businesswoman rooted in faith and integrity.  Tending to her responsibilities with vigor and purpose, she is known for her diligence, rising early to provide for her household, and her resourcefulness, managing her family's affairs with wisdom and efficiency.

Let’s take a better look at some of her key attributes:

• Trustworthy: Her husband trusts her completely, knowing she will bring him nothing but good throughout her life (Proverbs 31:11-12).
• Industrious: She vigorously tends to her daily chores and tasks (Proverbs 31:17).
• Compassionate: She has a heart for the poor and opens her hands to those in need (Proverbs 31:20).
• Mindful: Her words carry wisdom, and her tongue is filled with kindness when she speaks.  (Proverbs 31:26).
• Faithful: Her strength comes from her deep reverence for the Lord, guiding all her actions (Proverbs 31:30-31).
• Diligent: She works with eagerness and wakes up early to provide for her family (Proverbs 31:13-15).
• Resourceful: She’s like a merchant ship, bringing food from distant places, and considers a field carefully before buying it (Proverbs 31:14, 16).
• Confident: Clothed in strength and dignity, she can laugh without fear of the future (Proverbs 31:25).
• Family-Oriented: She watches over her household diligently and doesn't let idleness take root (Proverbs 31:27).

Relevancy Today

The attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman can seem daunting at first glance. How can a modern mother juggle work, family, and personal growth while being compassionate, wise, and fearless?  While some aspects of this ancient depiction may seem distant or outdated, her core values remain relevant today. 

Mothers can apply these traits by adapting them to fit the context of their lives. Examples of modern applicability include:

• Trustworthiness: Being trustworthy means being reliable and dedicated to your commitments. It incorporates relationship maintenance through honesty, dependability, and open communication. 
• Industriousness: Today, mothers can struggle to balance work and home life. Establishing a routine and adopting time management skills, finding creative solutions when problem-solving, and ensuring your family’s needs are met signify an industrious spirit. 
• Compassion: Compassion is timeless. Whether it's volunteering, supporting a friend in need, or raising children to be kind and empathetic, mothers can exemplify this trait by showing genuine concern for others.
• Mindfulness: Being mindful involves making sound decisions and guiding others with discernment. This includes seeking God's guidance in parenting, giving thoughtful advice, and modeling a life of faith.
• Faithfulness: A faithful mother prioritizes her relationship with God. She understands that her strength and guidance come from her faith. You can do this through regular prayer, Bible study, and involvement in a faith community.
• Diligence and Resourcefulness: Often, mothers juggle various roles–work, home management, childcare, and community involvement. Embrace your unique skills and find joy in your work, knowing it contributes to your family's well-being.
• Confidence: In today's atmosphere of high-functioning anxiety and stress, seek inner strength through prayer and a deepening relationship with God. Remind yourself that your dignity comes from knowing who you are in Christ, not from external validation.
• Family-Oriented: As a mother, you set the tone for your household. Use your words to build up your family and share wisdom. Teach your children the value of kindness and compassion, expressing it through your actions.

Challenges in Modern Society

Despite the feasibility of the wealth of enlightenment provided in Proverbs 31, mothers now experience newfangled challenges that may render it more difficult to fully encompass the woman’s qualities and shape them to fit various circumstances. Unrealistic pressures of external and internal demands can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy. 

Importantly, while the woman is an admirable and constructive paragon, her traits are not a checklist to be completed.  Instead, they should encourage you to live with purpose, compassion, and faith. Your value comes from God, not from meeting a set of standards.  God doesn't expect you to be perfect; He simply wants you to seek Him and trust His guidance.

Admittedly, it may not always be easy, which is why we’ve shared helpful tips for mothers to press forward through some of the more common challenges mothers face today:

• Perfectionism: The drive to be a perfect mother can lead to stress and burnout. Embrace God’s sufficient grace, and lean on Him for strength and direction You don’t have to do it all, understand that you’re allowed to have off days. 
• Balance Work and Family: Balance doesn’t mean victoriously accomplishing all that needs to be done; it means setting aside the time to focus on what matters most. There will always be more work, so aim to build strong relationships; prioritizing quality time with God, family, and friends. 
• Social Comparison: Social media can create a distorted image of motherhood. Limit your time online, and focus on real-life connections and experiences.
• Personal Faith: With busy schedules, it's easy to neglect personal spiritual growth. Prioritize time for prayer, Bible study, and church involvement to stay connected with God.

Happy Mother’s Day

There is no doubt that motherhood is marked with exhaustive responsibility and honor. Throughout the passage, the woman’s noble character and deep reverence for God is an aspiration for all women who seek to live a life of purpose and faith. While the specifics of her life may differ from those of modern mothers, her core values of goodwill, selflessness, and love remain as suitable today as they were centuries ago. As we seek to follow in her footsteps, place your trust in God, knowing that he will grant you the strength to serve your family with love, the wisdom to efficiently manage your resources, and the courage to live with integrity. 

May you find peace and joy in knowing that God sees your efforts and loves you unconditionally. Happy Mother's Day!

(Before you go, don’t forget to download or print a copy of Affirmations for Mom and Prayers for Mom!)

-Torrance Church of Christ

A Year of Spiritual Discipline

Wishing you a joyous New Year, dear readers! As we find ourselves on the brink of a fresh beginning, there's the exciting prospect that this year carries the promise of significant spiritual development. Join us today as we explore the idea of dedicating this year to spiritual discipline, a path that assures you to boost your connection with God.

Understanding Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual disciplines are the heartbeat of our relationship with God. As a deliberate effort to draw closer to Him, they entail various practices that stimulate spiritual growth, ultimately resulting in a more intimate union with God. From prayer and fasting to meditation and study, these disciplines are the tools that sculpt our spiritual lives.

"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8

Setting Spiritual Goals for the Year

Take inventory of your current spiritual practices. What has been the focus of your faith? Are there disciplines you wish to explore further? What aspects of your faith do you wish to strengthen? Now, take into consideration the diverse array of disciplines such as prayer, fasting, meditation, study, and service. Consider specific areas for growth, whether it's a more meaningful prayer life, a greater understanding of scripture, or a commitment to acts of service. Determine how each discipline aligns with your faith and resonates with your unique spiritual needs. Establish your goals, ensuring they are specific and achievable. 

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

Developing a Spiritual Discipline Plan
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3

Once you've outlined your goals, it's time to craft a personalized spiritual discipline plan. Consider the practical aspects—when and where will you engage in these disciplines? How can you integrate them into your daily life? 

With a clear understanding of spiritual disciplines and defined goals, it's time to craft a personalized spiritual discipline plan. Consider the following steps:

Self-Assessment:
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:5

• Reflect on your current spiritual practices.
• Identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Acknowledge past successes and challenges.

Goal Setting:
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

• Break down broader spiritual goals into smaller, actionable steps.
• Establish short-term objectives that contribute to your overarching spiritual goals.

Discipline Integration:
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:7-8 

• Determine how each chosen discipline aligns with your spiritual goals.
• Integrate disciplines into your daily or weekly routine.
• Set aside dedicated time for your practices.

Identify Potential Challenges:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

• Take time to identify potential challenges that may arise in your pursuit of spiritual goals.
• Create a plan to overcome any potential challenges. 

***We go into greater detail about potential challenges and how to overcome them below***

Accountability:
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 

• Consider sharing your spiritual goals with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor.
• Establish regular check-ins or accountability sessions to assess progress and provide support.

Flexibility:
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Proverbs 16:9

• Recognize the need for adaptability in your spiritual discipline plan.
• Be open to modifying your plan based on evolving needs and insights.

Reflection and Adjustment:
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

• Regularly reflect on your journey and assess how well your plan is working.
• Adjust your plan as needed, considering changes in circumstances or spiritual insights.

To make the process a little easier, be sure to download and print these Spiritual Goal Planning Sheets that will help guide you through the process!

More on Identifying Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them 

Understanding is the first step to overcoming. Acknowledging potential challenges allows you to address them proactively. 

Common challenges include:

• Time Constraints
• Distractions
• Doubts
• External Pressures
• Unrealistic Expectations
• Lack of Consistency
• Setbacks
• Lack of Motivation

Challenges are an inevitable part of the journey, but there are practical strategies that can be easily implemented to overcome them. 

+ Ground Yourself in Prayer: In moments of challenge, turn to prayer as a source of strength. Seek guidance, wisdom, and resilience from God. 
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

+ Strive for Consistency, Not Perfection: Challenges often arise when we set unrealistically high expectations. Embrace a mindset of consistency rather than perfection. Recognize that spiritual growth is a gradual process, and small, consistent steps are more sustainable than occasional leaps.

+ Seek Accountability and Support: Engage with a community that shares your faith journey. Seek out an accountability partner or join a support group where you can openly discuss challenges and receive encouragement. 
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

+ Learn from Setbacks: Challenges are opportunities for growth. When setbacks occur, view them as lessons rather than failures. Determine what went wrong, adjust your approach, and use the experience to strengthen your commitment to your spiritual goals.

+ Focus on the Purpose Behind the Goal: Reconnect with the deeper purpose behind your spiritual goals. When challenges arise, reminding yourself of the reasons for your journey can reignite motivation and commitment.
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

+ Celebrate Progress: Celebrate the small victories along the way. Spiritual growth is a journey marked by progress, not a destination of perfection. Share your successes with your community, and let the collective joy inspire and motivate you to continue forward.

Be sure to download and print a copy of Challenge Your Challenge: Scriptural Inspiration to Overcome Challenges and Encourage You to Reach Your Spiritual Goals. 

Wishing You a Blessed and Purposeful Journey Ahead

As you set out on a year of intentional spiritual discipline, remember that this journey is unique to you. Embrace the opportunity to draw closer to God, utilizing the richness of spiritual disciplines to guide your path. We are excited to hear your goals, experiences, and insights in the comments. Here's to a year of deepened faith, strengthened discipline, and a closer walk with Him.

-Torrance Church of Christ

Understanding Grace: A Fundamental Concept in Christianity Part 7: Conclusion with Quotes & Scriptures about Grace, & Overall Takeaways

Over the past 7 weeks, we’ve undergone a pilgrimage of discovery and uncovered numerous shades and hues of grace that illuminate our walk of faith. In that time, we’ve discussed Key Characteristics of Grace, established The Biblical Basis of Grace, examined  Misconceptions about Grace, toured what it means to Live a Grace-Filled Life, considered Tips for Extending Grace to Others and Self, and canvassed the Different Forms of Grace. Today, we conclude our excursion by sharing beautiful quotes and Bible verses that serve to remind us about how wonderful grace truly is. 

Quotes

"Grace is the love that cares and stoops and rescues." - John Stott
"Grace is a gift of the humble to the humiliated." - Brennan Manning
"Grace is the gift that keeps on giving." - John Ortberg

"Grace is like a good story. The characters are flawed but the plot is beautiful." - Unknown
"Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning." - Dallas Willard
"Grace is the pleasure of God to magnify the worth of God by giving sinners the right to be called sons of God." - John Piper

"Grace is the inexplicable, the unexpected, the undeserved." - John MacArthur
"Grace is that fleeting moment of solace when we embrace our flaws and accept who we are." - Unknown
"Grace is the virtue that elevates and perfects human nature." - Saint Thomas Aquinas
"Grace is the most beautiful word in the language of God." - Unknown

"Grace is not a part of God's character, it is His character." - Jerry Bridges
"Grace is not about what you have done, it is about what Jesus has done for you." - Unknown
"Grace is the hospitality that God offers us even when we have turned away." - Brian Zahnd
"Grace is when God gives us what we don't deserve. Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve." - Unknown

"Grace is the only thing that can save us and the only thing that can transform us." - Max Lucado
"Grace makes beauty out of ugly things." - U2
"Grace is the power to do God's will with a smile." - R.C. Sproul

"Grace has been defined as the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul." - William Hazlitt
"Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason." - Pope Francis
"Grace is the absence of everything that indicates pain or difficulty, hesitation or incongruity." - William Hazlitt

"Grace is the garment of salvation." - John Chrysostom
"Grace is the antidote to everything." — Anne Lamott
"Grace is the purest of all attributes of God." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"Grace is finding a waterfall when you were only looking for a stream." - Vanessa Hunt
"Grace is the ability to let something go and let someone grow." - Mandy Hale
"Grace is the ability to go from one situation to another with calm, composure, and a smile on your face." - Joyce Meyer

"Grace is God's love in action." - John Ortberg
"Grace is the invisible hand of God that guides us along life's path." - John C. Maxwell
"Grace is the divine energy that lights our path and guides us home." - Joseph Prince
"Grace is not the absence of suffering but the presence of God." - Timothy Keller

"Grace is the love that gives without any expectation of receiving." - Joyce Meyer
"Grace is the beauty of the soul." - Saint Augustine
"Grace is the wisdom of God, an inherent part of God's divine character." - Max Lucado

"Grace is the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"Grace is the beauty of form under the influence of freedom." - Friedrich Schiller

Bible Verses

1 Peter 1:2: "Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance."
Ephesians 2:5: "made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved."
Romans 16:20: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."

John 1:17: "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
Galatians 2:21: "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
2 Corinthians 8:9: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."

Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
Ephesians 2:8: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Romans 6:14: "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."

2 Thessalonians 2:16: "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope."
2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
Romans 5:2: "Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 3:10: "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care."

John 1:16: "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given."
Romans 5:17: "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!"
Titus 2:11: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."

2 Timothy 1:9: "He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time."
1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
James 4:6: "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Romans 11:6: "And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."
Acts 20:24: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
1 Corinthians 15:10: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."

1 Peter 5:10: "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
Romans 3:24: "And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Colossians 3:16: "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Ephesians 1:7: "In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."
Hebrews 4:16: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Ephesians 4:7: "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it."
1 Corinthians 1:4: "I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."
John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Hebrews 12:15: "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

1 Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Titus 3:7: "so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

Colossians 4:6: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
2 Timothy 2:1: "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
1 Peter 1:13: "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming."

2 John 1:3: "Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love."

Concluding the Past Few Weeks

Grace encompasses kindness, forgiveness, and divine favor. It involves acts of goodwill, forgiveness, and mercy toward others, driven by empathy and compassion. As we look back on the past couple of weeks and the insights we've gained, take a moment to reflect on the profound and elaborate nature of grace. Consider how it manifests in various contexts, from divine favor to acts of kindness, and how your understanding of grace has evolved. What insights have you gained, and how might these newfound perspectives influence your outlook on life and interactions with others?

We'd love to hear your thoughts and feelings about the valuable lessons on grace that you've acquired over the past several weeks. Share your insights, experiences, and any changes you've noticed in your approach to life and interactions. Let's keep the grace-filled journey alive by engaging in ongoing self-reflection and consciously practicing it in our daily lives. Continue exploring and extending grace and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can fill the world with kindness and compassion.

Before we go, we want to share one last quote to contemplate: 

"Grace is not a theology. It is not a subject matter. It is not a doctrine. It is a person, and his name is Jesus. Grace is not about principles. It is about a person." - Joseph Prince

- Torrance Church of Christ