Introduction
As Christians, we look to the Bible for guidance and inspiration in our daily lives. The Bible is full of stories of people who have lived their lives with integrity, faithfulness, and devotion to God. In this blog post, we will be looking at 5 women in the Bible who exemplify integrity and how we can learn from their examples.
Integrity is a character trait that is often lacking in our world today. We see dishonesty, deceit, and corruption all around us. However, the Bible tells us that integrity is an essential characteristic of a godly person. Proverbs 11:3 says, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.”
In this blog post, we will be looking at 5 women in the Bible who exhibited integrity in their lives. These women were not perfect, but they were devoted to God and lived their lives with honesty and integrity. We can learn from their examples and strive to live our lives with the same level of integrity.
Sarah
The first woman we will be looking at is Sarah. Sarah was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. In Genesis 12, we see that Abraham and Sarah left their homeland and went to the land of Canaan, as God had commanded them to do. Later, in Genesis 20, we see that Abraham told King Abimelech that Sarah was his sister, not his wife, because he was afraid that the king would kill him to take Sarah as his wife. However, when the truth was revealed, Sarah did not deny her relationship with Abraham, even though it could have put her in danger.
Sarah’s integrity is also seen in her willingness to obey God’s command to leave her homeland and go to a new land. She had faith in God’s promises to her and her husband, and she followed His leading, even though it meant leaving everything she knew behind.
Ruth
The next woman we will be looking at is Ruth. Ruth was a Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family. After her husband died, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and accompany her to Bethlehem. Ruth’s integrity is seen in her loyalty and devotion to Naomi. She did not abandon her mother-in-law in her time of need, but instead chose to stay with her and support her.
Ruth’s integrity is also seen in her willingness to follow God. She became a believer in the God of Israel and chose to live her life according to His ways. In Ruth 1:16-17, she tells Naomi, “Entreat me not to leave you or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.”
Esther
The third woman we will be looking at is Esther. Esther was a Jewish woman who became the queen of Persia. When the king’s advisor, Haman, plotted to have all the Jews in Persia killed, Esther showed great courage and integrity by risking her own life to plead with the king on behalf of her people. In Esther 4:16, she says, “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
Esther’s integrity is also seen in her willingness to trust God. She knew that her life was in God’s hands, and she was willing to obey Him even if it meant risking everything. In Esther 4:14, her cousin Mordecai tells her, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther’s decision to speak up and risk her life for her people ultimately saved them from destruction. Her integrity, faith, and courage continue to inspire us today.
Mary
The fourth woman we will be looking at is Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary’s integrity is seen in her willingness to trust God’s plan for her life, even when it was difficult and confusing. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her that she would give birth to a son who would be the Savior of the world, Mary responded with humility and faith. In Luke 1:38, she says, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”
Mary’s integrity is also seen in her obedience to God’s will. She and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, as the law required, and Jesus was born there. Later, when they had to flee to Egypt to escape King Herod’s wrath, they did so without question or hesitation. Mary’s life of obedience and faith continues to inspire us today.
Lydia
The fifth woman we will be looking at is Lydia. Lydia was a businesswoman who lived in Philippi. She was a seller of purple, which was a luxury item in those days. Lydia’s integrity is seen in her hospitality and generosity. When Paul and his companions came to Philippi and were looking for a place to stay, Lydia opened her home to them. She welcomed them warmly and provided for their needs.
Lydia’s integrity is also seen in her response to the gospel. When Paul spoke to her and the other women gathered there, Lydia’s heart was opened to receive the message. She and her household were baptized, and she continued to show hospitality to the believers. Her life of faith and generosity continues to inspire us today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 5 women of integrity in the Bible teach us valuable lessons about how to live our lives with honesty, faithfulness, and devotion to God. Sarah teaches us to obey God’s commands and to be honest, even when it is difficult. Ruth teaches us to be loyal and devoted to those in need, and to follow God’s ways. Esther teaches us to have courage and faith in the face of adversity, and to trust in God’s plan for our lives. Mary teaches us to have humility and obedience, and to trust in God’s promises. Lydia teaches us to be hospitable and generous, and to respond to the gospel with open hearts.
As we strive to live our lives with integrity, let us look to these women and to the Bible for guidance and inspiration. Let us follow their examples and seek to live our lives in a way that honors God and reflects His character. As Proverbs 20:7 says, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” May we be people of integrity, and may our lives bless those around us.