How I love my sisters in Christ! Like the Proverbs 14:1 woman in her home, women in the church can build up or tear down. What a blessing it is to know the builders! While there is only one “E” in the word sister, these sisters of mine have a number of “E”‘s that I just can’t do without …
The first is a faithful Example. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” What a joy it is to see my sisters in Christ living what they speak, teach, text, and write … and to know that they speak, teach, text, and write what they read in God’s Holy Word. I love watching them live for Christ. I remember growing up watching the older women in the church. They were beautiful examples of faith and courage, of domestic perfection (in my eyes!), of loving, dutiful wives and mothers. Do you want to be blessed? Surround yourself with “Titus 2” older women – what beautiful examples we have in our sisters!
Another “E” I love in my sisters is constant Encouragement. I’m often tired. Sometimes I simply don’t want to carry my load, but then I see my sisters. I meet with them in worship, and there are the smiles, the hugs, the encouraging words. I open the door at home to a friendly, familiar face just dropping in to say hello. I feel better, and I know I can press on when I spend time with my encouraging sisters. Want a fun exercise? Check out all of the beautiful “one another” passages in Scripture! Romans 12:9-13 is a great start. There are countless ways we can comfort and edify our sisters in Christ!
An always indispensable “E” is an always listening Ear. What great listeners my sisters are! When I have struggles or trials, I first go to my Lord in prayer. He knows what I need, and He wants me to overcome. Often, He sends me a sweet sister to share my struggles. What comfort and peace I have in knowing that what I share with that sister stays with that sister and that she will always direct me to Christ’s wisdom, not the world’s selfish ways. Proverbs 27:9 reveals that the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel just as ointment and perfume delight the heart. Who doesn’t love lovely, health-giving oils and fragrances? It is the same with the godly counsel of a beloved and trustworthy sister.
One of the greatest “E”’s I know is Empowerment. I’m not talking about political empowerment, social empowerment, or the feminists’ version of empowerment in the church. I’m talking about God’s version! The dictionary definition is “to enable or permit.” I love it! God has empowered women to do great things in the kingdom. Scripture is filled with examples of godly women who labored for the Lord. Consider the list in I Timothy 5 of the great good done by the “worthy widows” in God’s kingdom … they were well reported for good works, brought up children, lodged strangers, washed the saints’ feet (an unsavory task, indeed, in those times), relieved the afflicted, and diligently followed every good work. We read of it in the Scriptures, and I see it every day. Through faith in God, along with encouragement from fellow Christians and the Spirit-fruit of self-discipline, we sisters in Christ accomplish amazing things within the parameters He has set for us. I love working alongside God’s women in the community, in the church, and at home to accomplish His will for us as co-workers in the kingdom.
What a blessing that “E” in S-I-S-T-E-R is and how indispensable! I’m so thankful I’m in the family of God, where there is support, guidance, and love that never fails! What about you? Are you in that family? If not, take a closer look! The blessings just get better … and E-ven better!
