By Revd. Dr. idowu Ibitoye
Biblical examples of Virtuous Women
There are many remarkable women in the Bible who made themselves available for God, and made lasting impact in their generation, among them are:
Mary, mother of Jesus- Mary who came from Nazareth and the mother of Jesus she was an epitome of model that characterise obedience and trust. The angel appeared to her and announced she was chosen by God to give birth to the Messiah. The lesson to be drawn from her life, for this generation, is that she was a virgin who kept herself till marriage. Our young ladies of nowadays, must learn from Mary’s lifestyle of holiness and obedience. Likewise, married women must teach the younger generation the biblical standard of holiness and purity.
Ruth, a loyal daughter in-law- Ruth was a young widow who showed remarkable faith. She traveled a difficult journey with her aged widowed mother-in-law to live in Bethlehem. Despite her challenges she remained hopeful and firmly believed that God would provide for her and give victory in her trying period. Ruth was a model of bravery, faith and obedience, whom every woman of nowadays should emulate.
Esther, for such a time as this – Esther was also a remarkable woman who put her own life at risk to save her people. She was an inspiring example of serving others under incredibly difficult circumstances. Her bravery, courage and faith should be emulated by all Christian women who want to make impact in their generation.
Women who supported Christ’ ministry (Lk. 8:2-3) – The bible says “and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases; Mary called Magdalene from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household, Susanna, and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” These women used their stewardship of influence to advance the ministry of Jesus Christ. Contemporary Christian women must use their position of influence to promote the church.
There are many other women in the Bible who volunteered themselves to be used of God, such as; Mariam, Dorcas, Lois, etc. Women are strategic agent for the growth of the church.
The Virtuous Women Virtuous women are those that always show high moral standards in all areas of their lives, virtuous women manifest many traits among these are:
Virtuous woman always rise and pray – Christian women must always be praying type, women that pull down the pillar of the kingdom of darkness. “Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at every street corner” (Lam. 2:19). Virtuous women are known to be prayer warriors, who always rescue the destiny of their children through prayer from the hands of the enemy.
Virtuous women always Rise to disciple younger generation – Contemporary older Christians should rise to disciple younger Christian women. Older women were charged “to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers … to teach what is good … 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…”( Titus 2:3-5). Matured Christian women should pick up the responsibility of nurturing the younger women in the way of the Lord.
Virtuous women rise build a glorious church. God is waiting for committed and faithful women who will build a glorious church for Him. Every woman must use their God given talent and gifts to build their local church. God planted you in your local church, your membership in that church is for a purpose, ensure that the purpose is fulfilled
Virtuous women promote unity in the Body of Christ- It is always said that united we stand divided we fall, unity in oneness, unity in diversity. Women should always encourage their church leadership to always cooperate with ecumenical body. We have a lot to benefit in our coming together.
Virtuous woman rise and serve as committed church workers – Every Christian woman must be busy doing something in the household of faith. Everyone must be a committed and faithful worker, knowing that God will reward everyone accordingly.
You are the virtuous woman; God is ready to use you. Virtuous women are present in all our churches, in government agencies and in our society. Virtuous women should not hide themselves; they should come out and influence others for Christ, positively.
