Dear sisters in Christ,
As mothers, we bear the blessed responsibility of shaping the next generation of godly women. The Scriptures remind us,
"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children" (Titus 2:4, KJV).
Having raised three daughters over the course of 21 years some of these I incorporated in their upbringing well, and some I learned from hindsight where I fell short. I hope to help you in your journey of raising up Christian daughters- regardless of where you are in your journey. Please know, I haven’t gotten all of these right all of the time. As mothers we all fall short, and have to trust God to fill in our weaknesses. Thankfully He is faithful to do so.
Here are 10 crucial lessons we must do our best to impart to our daughters, rooted in Biblical wisdom and God's perfect design for womanhood.
1. Her Worth is Settled in Christ
First and foremost, we must teach our daughters that their value comes not from the world, but from their identity in Christ. As it is written,
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9, KJV).
Help her understand that she is fearfully and wonderfully made, precious in God's sight. As young ladies our daughters WILL struggle with body image issues, help her to see her value is in Christ, and not her physical appearance.
2. To Serve and Work Willingly with Her Hands
Instill in her the beauty of serving others and the dignity of work. The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 "worketh willingly with her hands" (Proverbs 31:13, KJV).
Teach her that all work, when done for the glory of God, is noble. Also, teach her to serve joyfully. As most of our daughters will grow up to be wives and mothers themselves, help them to learn young that their lives will be spent in service to their family- and they will find the most fulfillment in serving others.
3. To Guard Her Tongue
The power of words is immense. Our daughters must learn to speak with grace and wisdom.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying" (Ephesians 4:29, KJV).
A controlled tongue is a mark of maturity and godliness. As women we struggle with guarding our tongue. Face it ladies, most of us enjoy gossip and chatter. It’s a discipline best learned young to keep your mouth shut.
4. To Value Her Body and Not Seek Attention Through It
In a world that often reduces women to their appearance, we must teach our daughters the sanctity of their bodies.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you?" (1 Corinthians 6:19, KJV).
Help her understand that modesty is about dressing with moderation. We shouldn’t seek to draw attention to ourselves with our body. In honoring God with her body, she also honors herself.
5. How to Run a Home
The art of homemaking is a valuable skill that brings order and peace to a family.
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness" (Proverbs 31:27, KJV).
Teach her that managing a home is a high calling, worthy of respect and diligence. Teach her how to clean, what household products work the best for different tasks. Teach her the skill of knowing what household duties need doing daily, weekly, monthly and annually. Instruct her by example.
6. How to Cook
Nourishing others through food is an act of love and service.
"She...giveth meat to her household" (Proverbs 31:15, KJV).
Cooking skills will serve her well, whether she's feeding her own family or practicing hospitality. Teach her a variety of basic cooking skills, help her master several recipes that she can prepare start to finish. Teach her about meal planning, being thrifty at the grocery store, and how to make meals stretch with less expensive ingredients. It is also wise to teach about whole food nutrition, and how to nourish her body with wholesome foods.
7. To Be a Good Friend
Friendship is a gift from God, and being a good friend is an important life skill.
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly" (Proverbs 18:24, KJV).
Teach her to be loyal, kind, and supportive in her friendships. Encourage her to not be two faced, or a back biter. Also, warn her the danger of comparison. She needs to not compare herself to other friends, in either direction- thinking more of herself, or less of herself.
8. To Be Humble and Quiet, Not a "Know It All"
Humility and a gentle spirit are beautiful traits in a woman of God.
"But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:4, KJV).
Encourage her to listen and learn, rather than always seeking to be heard. We all know at least one noisy “know-it-all” lady, and how challenging they can be to have as friends. Teach your daughters to be willing to sit quietly, and avoid the need to always chime in on every conversation.
9. God's Design for Her Life as a Woman in Christ
Help her understand and embrace God's perfect plan for womanhood.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV).
Teach her that true fulfillment comes from living according to God's design.
10. To Embrace Her Femininity and Cherish Her Differences as a Woman
Finally, encourage her to celebrate her God-given femininity.
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27, KJV).
Help her see that the differences between men and women are part of God's beautiful design. Teach her that this is more about the inward attitude, than the outward appearance.
Dear sisters, as we guide our daughters in these areas, let us remember that our own lives are the most powerful teaching tools we possess. May we model these virtues in our own walk with Christ, trusting that
"A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke" (Proverbs 13:1, KJV).
Let us pray for wisdom and grace as we raise the next generation of godly women, always pointing them to the perfect example found Christ Jesus.
Lovingly,
Biblical Womanhood
Thank you!
I just gave birth to my baby girl earlier this year. I lovely read for this new mama!😊