Mom’s Devotional — Day Five
READ
Proverbs 31:20-24 (emphasis on v. 20)
A wise woman serves those in need
REFLECT
Shirley Mae Seward was one of those mothers whose house was never empty. A no-nonsense former police officer, she offered a mix of tough love and compassion to every child who walked through her door. Over the years, this included a total of 18 biological, adopted, and foster children, and neighborhood kids too many to number. When she passed away in 2015, her obituary included the following description:
“Mrs. Seward was a generous and compassionate woman who dedicated her life to serving and being a blessing to others. She truly exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman.”
What a powerful testimony! We are never more like Jesus than when we care for and serve the needs of others. He came not to be served but to serve and ultimately give His life for us (Matthew 20:28).
Caring for the needs of others will require our sacrifice of time, energy, comfort, convenience, and more. Ultimately, our level of generosity toward others reveals our level of trust in God. When we trust Him as our source, we can give freely without worry or fear that we will not have enough.
RESPOND
Are you quick to open your hands to people in need? If not, what is the biggest barrier that keeps you from it? Spend some time in prayer asking the Lord to help you love people and serve generously. What needs do you see right now that God may be calling you to respond to?