Honoring Women, Honoring God
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), Christians have a unique opportunity to reflect on the value and worth of women. Beyond the hashtags and social media posts, we must dig deeper into the biblical roots of womanhood and explore what it means to truly honor women.
Created in God’s Image
The Bible teaches that women are made in God’s image, a breathtaking truth that sets the foundation for their inherent value and worth. In Genesis 1, we see that God created Adam first, but it was not complete until Eve was created to complement him. Together, they reflected God’s image, demonstrating that women are essential to fully expressing God’s character.
Ezers: Strong Helpers
In Hebrew, Eve is described as an ezer, a term that appears 21 times in the Old Testament, often referring to God himself. Ezers are strong helpers who provide support and protection. This title underscores the vital role women play in reflecting God’s image and serving as pillars in their communities.
Jesus’ Counter-Cultural View of Women
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus prizes and treasures women, often in contrast to the cultural norms of his time. He esteems their faith, contributions, and worth, setting a powerful example for how we should treat women today.
A Biblical Foundation for Honoring Women
As we celebrate IWD, we must recognize that the goals of elevating women are rooted in Scripture. The Bible provides a rock-solid foundation for upholding women’s worth, emphasizing their creation in God’s image and their value as ezers.
Practical Ways to Honor Women
So, how can we put this into practice?
- Speak words of life to the women in your life, highlighting their unique gifts and strengths.
- Applaud women who serve their families, communities, and churches.
- Recognize and emulate the daughters of God who are making a difference in their spheres of influence.
- Serve women who are oppressed and hurting, praying, giving, and going to support them in Jesus’ name.
A Call to Action
As Christians, we must be the most pro-women people in the world, cherishing and protecting all women. This IWD, let’s do more than just post about women’s empowerment – let’s take action. Let’s outdo one another with honor, spurring each other on to encourage and advocate for women near and far.
By honoring women, we honor God. By recognizing their value and worth, we reflect the heart of our Creator. So, let’s celebrate IWD with a renewed commitment to upholding women, not just because it’s a trendy social movement, but because it’s a biblical imperative.
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