Woman of God
What does it mean to be a woman of God?
A woman of God is first and foremost a daughter of God. Becoming a child of God happens through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ (John 1:12; 3:16–18, 36). When we trust in Jesus for salvation, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). God gives us His Holy Spirit who works in us and transforms us to become more like Christ (John 14:15–17; 1 John 4:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Most simply, a woman of God is a woman who has been saved by Jesus Christ and who submits to the work of the Holy Spirit in her. What does this look like practically?
A woman of God will seek to know God more through reading His Word, communing with Him in prayer, fellowshipping with other believers, and listening to sound teaching. She knows that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17), so she seeks to know what God’s Word says. She does her “best to present [her]self to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). She also heeds James warning: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).
Part of doing what the Word says is having an active prayer life. Paul instructs us, “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). Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” A woman of God approaches God with a grateful heart and casts her worries on God (1 Peter 5:7). She trusts in God’s ability and His love, and so she brings her worship and her concerns to His throne (Hebrews 4:14–16).
A woman of God obeys God’s commands to love others well. Her speech is edifying and encouraging to others, not slanderous or filled with gossip or ill intent (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Peter 2:1–3). She is kind, compassionate, and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32). She helps to bear the burdens of other believers (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:15). As she has opportunity, she tries to do good to all, especially those also in the family of God (Galatians 6:10). She is not conceited but lives with a spirit of humility (Romans 12:10, 16; Philippians 2:5–11). She does not grumble or needlessly argue or cause dissension, but rather tries to live in harmony with others (Romans 12:16, 18; Philippians 2:14).
A woman of God follows Peter’s teaching to “in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15–16). She attempts to “abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:11–12).
A woman of God eagerly does the work God has given to her (Romans 12:11). If she is an older woman, she lives as an example to younger women (Titus 2:3–5). She spends time with other believers, encouraging them and being encouraged by them (Hebrews 10:24–25). She is submissive, meaning she takes a “you before me” posture, as all Christians are called to (Ephesians 5:21). She heeds Peter’s command to “submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority. . . . For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:13–17). She knows that she is highly valued in Christ (Galatians 3:28) and chooses to imitate Him by laying down her own self-will. If she is married, she allows her husband to lead the family (Ephesians 5:21–33; 1 Peter 3:1–2). She honors her parents (Ephesians 6:1–3), and, if she has children, she cares for them (Titus 2:3–5; 1 Timothy 5:14). She manages her home well and according to godly principles (Titus 2:3–5; Proverbs 14:1; 31).
A woman of God’s beauty is of her “inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3–4). Ultimately, the woman of God is a work in progress, a masterpiece of God’s, saved by His grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–10), and becoming more like Jesus as she seeks to know Him and obey Him.
