A virtuous wife is her husband’s crown, but a dishonoring one is like rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 12:4, TLV
Are You a Virtuous Person? Not a wife? May I encourage you to continue? Marriage is about unity and unity in the Body of Messiah is just as important.
Let’s begin by defining the word virtuous. A virtuous person is someone who conforms to a standard of right — to be moral. There, that’s not so different for anyone — man or woman.
Having said that, being a husband or wife is a crash course in learning how to live a virtuous life. For nearly 50 years, I’ve learned what it means to be a virtuous wife. Truth be told, I’m still learning — every single day.
Each day I must choose to honor my husband with my mind, my words, my actions, and with my body.
I wish I could say that I learned what I know by reading the Scriptures and practicing them. Many of my lessons were hard won by making mistakes. But we both have.
Here are a few of those lessons for all of us:
- There’s no such thing as winning an argument.
- Forgiveness is a choice, not a reward.
- Unless the last words of an argument are “I love you,” don’t try to get in the last word.
- Any hurtful words that slice a heart, will cut away at trust.
- Reckless words peppered in a conversation will eat away at trust.
- Any words that keep the embers of division alive are sinful.
- Learn the art of listening—truly listening.
- Seasoning our words with love and respect will plant seeds that will produce a plentiful harvest.
- Don’t go to sleep while angry — work it out with the other person, and/or with God.
- Timing is everything. Pay attention to God’s timing when to speak and when to be silent.
- See the wonder in your spouse/brothers and sisters in Messiah. Ask God for His eyes when He looks at them.
- The same applies to others around us, not just family.
Unity is no joke to God. Whether as husband and wife or as
our Heavenly Father’s children, or both, learning to be one isn’t easy, but, dear friends, it’s worth it.
Think More About It
What hard won lessons you’ve learned over the years?
Until tomorrow, may we live virtuous lives, my friends.
“I pray not on behalf of these only, but also for those who believe in Me through their message, that they all may be one. Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:20-21, TLV
Unity among God’s family is so important. Jesus prayed for unity. The followers of Yeshua should seek to be unity—not conformity so that we’re all the same, but unity of faith and the things of God. As we pray for Israel, remember that we have brothers and sisters in Jesus there. God bless you and Shabbat Shalom!
