Scripture
19Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
20She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
21She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm[1] clothes.
22She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
Translation notes (1)
- 31:21 As in Greek and Latin versions; Hebrew reads scarlet.
20She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
In our world today, it is easy to become hard-hearted and cynical. It is easy to become jaded. Soft-hearted, compassionate people are becoming rare to find. Although compassion in people can be rare, Scripture clarifies that Christ calls His people to be compassionate. Therefore, compassion in our relationships is of utmost importance if we want our relationships to thrive.
We can read about the importance of living compassionately in Proverbs 31. In this chapter, we read about the importance of living with compassion. This chapter of Proverbs talks about "the wife of noble character," but the qualities listed in this verse are valuable and important for any person in a relationship to exhibit. When talking about this wife of noble character, the writer of Proverbs 31 said, "She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy" (verse 20). The person of character clearly shows compassion towards other people around them. This includes spouses, family members, friends, acquaintances, and even the cashier at the grocery store. Compassion is one attribute that will strengthen any relationship, especially our marriages. When we live with compassion and understanding towards our spouses, we will have greater understanding and patience towards them.
Now, it is easy to talk about compassion, but what does compassion look like on a regular basis? The apostle Paul explained it this way in Ephesians 4:32, "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." This is a beautiful picture of what compassion looks like. Compassion means being tenderhearted toward others, offering forgiveness, and treating one another the same way Christ has treated us.
Take a few moments to think about your own life. Do you find yourself living compassionately, or do you lack compassion towards the people around you? If not, decide to treat others with the same compassion Jesus showed you. After all, He has been abundantly compassionate towards you.
Moving Toward Action
One of the ways to become compassionate is to carve out time right now to think about the love and grace Christ has shown you. If you would like, write down all the ways He has shown compassion towards you. After thinking of how compassionate He has shown you, pray. Thank Him for being a compassionate God in the way He acts towards you.
Going Deeper
Proverbs 31:19-24 (NLT)
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