During this series, we have asked and answered questions concerning what a woman is according to God’s Word. We have looked to Scripture because, as followers of Jesus, we believe that God is the absolute authority on all things that are good and true, and we believe He has recorded these things in His Word. His Word is truth. Jesus even prayed for us as followers in John 17:17, asking the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
The last question about biblical womanhood we will answer in this series is, “What is a woman relationally?”
A woman RELATIONALLY is to bless other women and be respected, cherished, and protected by men.
One of the things we see in Scripture is that women are to answer the call of purposefully sowing into the lives of other women. I believe as a pastor I can influence women. I know, as a man with two daughters, there are many godly men who can speak into their lives. But nothing a man can share will resonate with a young woman on the same level as wisdom from godly women further in their faith who are willing to come alongside them.
This is why Paul told young Titus: “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,” (Titus 2:3-4). Paul’s words reveal that these attitudes and actions do not come automatically. Young women need the generation in front of them to turn around and teach them how to love their husbands and children, just as men need training in loving their families well. Scripture also says that when a woman lives out the commands of God well, she is to be honored. Proverbs 31:30-31 reads, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”
Along with praising women, we find that men are to protect women. One of the attacks on masculinity is that we have stopped calling men to fulfill their roles as outlined in Scripture. We cannot buy into a worldview that is attempting to erase gender and therefore erase our roles. God’s Word says that men are to respect, cherish, honor, and protect the women in their lives. I believe we have this role of protector for many reasons. We tend to be bigger and stronger. Our presence is usually more intimidating, and emotionally God wired us to protect. The world would say I am feeding you a bunch of toxic masculinity. But my Bible says, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered,” (1 Peter 3:7). Notice that a woman is equal. She is an heir. And this passage reveals that how a man cares for his wife will greatly impact his relationship with God. To paraphrase God’s admonition through Peter, “Husbands, don’t get on your knees and tell Me what you need Me to do when you won’t get off your knees and do what I’ve wired you to do.”
As I stated earlier, I am raising two daughters by God’s grace. I want them to fulfill everything He has for them. I do not want them in any way to be oppressed or suppressed, but I do want them to fall in love with and marry men who will protect them. They are not wired to be the protectors and leaders of their homes; their future husbands are.
I also have four sons that I want to grow up to be protectors. And while I am not an expert in what women want, I can tell you what ladies have expressed to me over the years. They are drawn to men who honor, respect, cherish, and protect them. They flourish in their giftedness when they are held up and celebrated for how God has designed them. This is why I am complementarian in my beliefs. The strengths and weaknesses of a man complement the strengths and weaknesses of a woman. Whether married or single, these complementing roles allow men and women to fulfill their God-given purposes within marriage and the church.
In summary, let’s take one last look at all six statements:
- A woman PHYSICALLY is an adult female made in the image of God.
- A woman SPIRITUALLY is a sinner in need of salvation which is fully available to her through faith in Christ.
- A woman SEXUALLY is uniquely made to either live a life of singleness and celibacy or commit her life to a man in covenant marriage.
- A woman MATERNALLY is wonderfully designed to nurture as a mother.
- A woman MISSIONALLY in Christ is expected and equipped to strengthen the church and make the gospel known.
- A woman RELATIONALLY is to bless other women and be respected, cherished, and protected by men.
That is what a woman is, and as we end this series, I want to reiterate that we simply cannot budge from what God’s Word says. If you are someone struggling with deep confusion surrounding gender, if you are someone who has not been living a lifestyle that honors God, I want you to know there is no desire to alienate you or ostracize you. But I do want you to know the gospel is just better. God’s Word, His plans, and His design, these things are always better. I pray that every woman reading this knows that your Maker did not make any mistakes when He made you. He designed you as you are, and your Savior is enough.