Have you ever attended a Bible Study with just women? I have attended many! I recently read a post about a mother who attended one and was not too happy about it so she quit going. The women at the study complained about their husbands and children so she found it discouraging. When I was younger, I can't recall what we discussed around our group tables at bible study since I may have been participating in bashing our husbands and complaining about raising children. The one I attended up until a few years ago, however, there was no bashing of husbands or children but there was no encouraging each other about loving and obeying our husbands, loving our children, being chaste, discreet and keepers at home. These are the things women need to be learning about and encouraged in the most, according to God's Word.
I have
spoken to young women who attend bible studies and they do admit that there is
a lot of husband bashing going on. This is never productive! If a woman is having
problems within her marriage, she should be going to a godly, older woman for
mentoring; not sharing it with a group of women. I remember when I would hear
griping about husbands and would participate; it would just make me more upset
with my husband. God hates complaining! We should be sharing what we are
thankful about our husbands, instead of complaining.
Women who
have more than just a couple of children are usually given a hard time instead
of encouragement and help. Children are ALWAYS a blessing from the Lord. God is
never disappointed when another baby is born, whether it is a mother’s
first or tenth baby. We should be encouraging each other about our children;
sharing what is working in raising them and helping young mothers in need.
As for being
a keeper at home, unfortunately, this is seldom spoken about in church because
so many women work outside of the home. Nothing that God said is important for
young women to hear should ever be off limits,
especially in a church setting! Many women would love to hear that being at
home full-time is just where they are supposed to be.
After
writing all this, does this mean I believe women should not attend bible
studies? No, I believe if you attend a bible study where the women complain
about their husbands and children, be a light and only speak words of life to
these women. Share your love for your husband and what you love about him.
Share how much you love being a mother, even though it can be very difficult
but you understand that it is God's ordained role for you. Churches need women
who aren't afraid to be salt and light even to other Christian women. Who knows
how God may use you? You may be surprised!
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,
but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,
but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
