Proverbs 31:20
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
It’s no accident that a large number of volunteers in helps organisations are women – this is by design. By design of the fact that women tend to have a large streak of compassion within because of their mothering nature, but also because they are more likely to be at home, either part-time or full-time at some stage in their adult lives, they tend to ‘find the time’ to contribute to worthwhile causes. Often they go with children in tow, or perhaps whilst the kids are at school.
Even when the women retire, or are widowed, they tend to gravitate towards groups of volunteers, both for the social aspect as well as knowing that they are being useful and helping someone in some way.
In the verse above it shows the Proverbs 31 Woman to be a provider, someone who cares, supplies, supports, and has compassion. As women we need to be careful though, that we don’t allow our compassion override the needs of the family. Our family are very important and also need caring for. However, by our example, family members (children) can learn to also care for those in need – not just materially, but those who lack friends, those who are ill, those who are disabled, those who are shunned for whatever reason. Let our children also learn to have compassion for others and when they see a child being ostracized at school, to learn to reach out a hand, or speak up and be a friend. KMT
Prayer: Our most wonderful Father who has the greatest compassion of all. You have led us and shown by example the kind of compassion we should have through Your people in the Old and New Testaments and through your most precious gift, Your Son Jesus Christ. We pray you will show us when opportunities arise that we can exercise the very example given above by the Proverbs 31 Woman. Amen.
Proverbs 31:20, compassion, helps ministry, needy, Proverbs31 woman
September 21st, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Wow! I just found your blog and can’t wait to read the rest of the Prov. 31 study. You are so right about allowing ourselves to do too much for others and not having time for our own families. I used to run into this alot but have found peace that for now my family is #1 and what I do for others, we do as a family.
Jess
October 6th, 2006 at 10:40 am
great post! i enjoyed it very much.
January 18th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
What a nice sentiment on how women manage to find time for love and compassion toward others.
Faithkid
July 6th, 2011 at 6:17 am
Very Nice Post THANKS !!!