“A critical and unloving attitude doesn’t align with who God has called us to be as believers in Jesus. Even when it’s difficult, may we extend grace and love to everyone we encounter as Christ guides us.”
~Kimya Loder
Scripture for Reflection: Colossians 3:12-17
“God’s will is sometimes hard to follow. He asks us to do the right things. He calls us to endure hardship without complaining; to love awkward people, to heed the voice inside us that says, You mustn’t; to take steps we’d rather not take. So we must tell our souls all day long: “Hey soul, listen up. Be silent. Do what Jesus is asking you to do.”
~David H. Roper
Scripture for Reflection: Psalm 62
Scripture Reference: Titus 2:1-15
Key Verse: “The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be blasphemed.” Titus 2: 3-5 (NKJV)
I don’t think of myself as old, but I notice people saying:
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Mrs. Love.”
“Mrs. Dorothea.”
Sometimes it feels weird when I’m addressed like that, instead of being called by my nickname, Dottie. And I still think of “Mrs. Love” as my mother-in-law, not me.
When I hear the phrase, “A Titus 2 woman,” I think of the women who take time to care about my spiritual growth. They share their wisdom, pray for me, and help me grow in faith. I count on their love, compassion, patience, and honesty. Being around them causes me to pray and ask God to help me be a woman like the women mentioned in this scripture passage.
Whenever I get calls and text messages, or during face-to face conversations, I realize younger women are reaching to me now, just like I reached out to the women who make such a difference in my life.
Am I a Titus 2 woman?
It is not easy to think of myself as one of the older, wiser women in this passage, but when a precious young woman asks me to be a prayer partner and keep her accountable for reading her Bible each day, I wonder if I am able to really help her?
I take time to pray for wisdom, and memories begin to flood mind:
-Of my mother kneeling with my sister, brother, and me, showing us the importance of prayer.
-Of my grandmother singing hymns of praise as she did her chores.
-Of my mother-in-law sitting in the kitchen, sharing her life story as she taught me to cook some of her favorite meals.
-Of my aunts working with the youth at our church.
-Of the older women at church who encouraged me to trust God throughout my challenges.
They took time to help me become a better wife, mother, and woman.
Can I be that type of example for someone else? It scares me and makes me think about my walk with God. How do I teach that? And I think about those women again.
How do they help me? Thinking about them helps me release my fears and turn to God.
The Lord is my strength, gives me wisdom, provides for my needs. I realize I can share with her and learn with her too.
Now, I can accept and understand the respect I’m given as an older woman. I’m honored to be seen that way, and I ask God to help me be the voice of wisdom these young people need.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the young people in our lives. Give us patience, compassion, wisdom, and the will to embrace them. Help us equip the next generation so they can change the world for Your glory. Amen.
Extending Kindness: Reach out to a young person in your life and let them know that you are praying for them.
Losing a Friend Is Not Easy
Have you ever ended a friendship? Made the decision to stop interacting with someone who was once considered family? What pushes us to the point where reconciliation is not an option? For me, it was a painful decision that I made several years ago.
When I think about the pain that led to the split, it makes me question the validity of our friendship.
“Knowing Jesus is the greatest gift we can receive; sharing Him is the greatest gift we can give.” ~Xochitl Dixon
Scripture for Reflection: John 4:1-42
“Lord, thank You for teaching me not to discriminate among people. Help me to see people through Your eyes so that I may honor You.”
~ Our Daily Bread
“What a comfort to know that though others may disappoint and abandon us, Christ always remains a faithful, patient, and loving friend. And as we seek to eumulate and obey Him, we will become that same kind of friend to others.” ~Dr. Charles Stanley
Scripture for Reflection: John 15:12-17
“If we’re busy and preoccupied with our own schedules and plans, we probably won’t see the needs around us. There could be a coworker who’s discouraged, a struggling neighbor, or even a family member who needs our help.” ~ Dr. Charles Stanley
Scripture for Reflection: Luke 10:25-37
“We need one another in order to be what God wants us to be.” ~ Keila Ochoa
Scripture for Reflection: I Corinthians 12:4-14
“Heavenly Father, may our behavior today cause others to ask us why we are different. We ask that we follow Your Holy Spirit’s leading as we explain to them the hope that is in us.”
~Our Daily Bread
Living Water by Dorothea Love 