Urge the Younger Women

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” (Titus 2:3-5)

God gives an important responsibility to older women: To teach younger women what is good. Notice that God doesn’t tell men to try to force women to act the way they want them to. No! He asks older women to be the teachers and encouragers of younger women.

What are older women to urge younger women to do? Paul gives seven instructions, and at least five of them refer to home and family life. The Bible is not shy about encouraging women to see the blessings of marriage and children. Of course, there are some women who never marry. Being single is also a gift from God. Yet, the Bible encourages each generation of women to help the next generation of women see the blessings of family.

Don’t think that focusing on family was easier for younger women in the 1^st century than for younger women today. Abortion was common in the Roman world. Children were often seen as burdens instead of blessings. Divorce was frequent, and affairs were regular occurrences.

Those temptations make this godly encouragement from older women to younger women so important: “Urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

Can you see how that message would be best communicated by an older woman? “Sister, you won’t regret the time you spend with your kids.” “Sister, I know the days are long, but the years are short. Don’t trade your family life for anything.” “Sister, your husband isn’t perfect. Believe me. I know! But showing respect for him will lead him to show you the love that you need.” “Sister, trust in God’s plan.”

Dear younger women, God loves you! He cares for you like his own daughters. If God gives you the opportunity, don’t underestimate the blessings of being a wife and mother. Your work in the home is more valuable than any work you—or anyone else—does in the world.

Dear Lord God, thank you for younger women. Christian wives and mothers are one of your greatest blessings to your people. Help younger women see their worth to you and to their families. Amen. 

Pastor Nathan