A Woman of Mercy

The worthy woman, as described in Proverbs 31, was a woman of mercy and compassion.

"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy" Proverbs 31:20.

This verse indicates that the worthy woman looked for opportunities to serve others; she reached out to those who had a need, and she tended to them with care. Like the worthy woman, we also need to have the heart of a servant.

As Christian women, how can we be motivated to minister to the needs of others with hearts of mercy and compassion? We must realize that we are commanded to minister to others, (Galatians 6:10).

In fact, Jesus taught that we could lose our salvation if we neglect to minister to others, (Matthew 25:35-46).

However, if we attempt to fulfill this duty only out of obligation, and not out of love, then our deeds are worthless, (1 Corinthians 13:3).

How can we put this concept into practice? The following ideas may serve as a springboard for various ways in which you can reach out to those in need:

1. Using index cards, or a notebook, label a separate card or page with categories of people who generally could use help of some kind. Examples: Widows/Widowers, Orphans, Single Parents, Elderly, Sick, Physically Handicapped, People who are dying, Care givers for the sick or dying, People in rest homes, Pregnant women, Mothers of young children, missionaries, Poor people, etc.

2. On each card or page that you have labeled, now list specific ways that you can minister to the needs of those people.

3. Work together as a family, and make a list of individuals you know who fall under the various categories.

4. Use a calendar to plan out specific times and ways to serve others.

5. Be sure to include your children, when appropriate, to help them develop the habit of looking out for the needs of others.

The worthy woman used her time wisely. She was a servant to God, her husband, her children, and to others in need. She did not spend her time focusing on herself, wondering how she could be personally fulfilled. Yet, she did find fulfillment, because her priorities were in keeping with God’s design.

Do you recall the well known acronym J - O - Y? Jesus first, others next, yourself last. How many of us have had days when it seems nothing is going right? We find ourselves in a bad mood, and sometimes we aren’t even sure of the cause. Too often the cause comes from focusing too much on ourselves. The next time you have a "bad day", do something for someone else. Remember -

"...It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35.

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