Some of the translations have the word "provides" in the latter half of this verse, and that's what I want to zero in on, today. She provides food for her household and portions to her maidens (servants).
I think that packs a lot into those words. Let's dive in!
In Acts 20:28a, we find these words: "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers." Another translation puts it this way: "Pay careful attention...."
All of us have been given people in our lives that we minister to; for some it is husbands and children, for others, parents, and still others minister to the church community. Many of us wear multiple caretaker "hats" and are sometimes pulled in different directions! We are asked to pay attention to their needs.
The verse in Acts is referring to spiritual needs, and the one in Proverbs is referring more to physical needs. That's a lot to handle!
I'd like to have you turn and read Matthew 25:31-46 in your own Bible. It's a longer passage, so I won't post it here . . . I'll wait for you to come back.
All done?
Here are a couple more verses that go along with these thoughts:
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35Carefully, lovingly taking care of others is the ultimate way to show the love of our Savior, and also a supreme way to share our faith in Him!
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12
I've heard it said that for us humans, our physical needs occupy us first and foremost; we are more interested usually in those needs than in our spiritual ones.
This is especially true in our church communities -- how can we expect to teach others about the love of God, if they are hungry, or have no place to stay, or are frightened and have no one to turn to?
We can use this ideal woman as an example . . .even though she is wealthy enough to have servants, she does not sit back and let them do all the work. She literally gets up in the morning to prepare and to care for those in her responsibility.
Let's pray that our Father will strengthen us for our tasks, and bear us up if we are discouraged. Let's ask Him to help us love as He loved here on earth, and share our faith in so doing.
I often have a soft heart for those in my life, (and some who are not a big part of my life too)who are in need of something. I often wish I could do more, and probably would if I had more resources...even when they need to do it themselves...But then there is that part of me that really doesn't do all I think I should for those closest to me. Strange huh? Kind of reminds me of when Paul said he did the things he wasn't suppose to, and didn't do the things he was supposed to...or maybe that's stretching it a bit. *grin*
ReplyDeleteI just loved your last paragraph. Thank you Jacque x
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