If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
Notes:
1. All verses referenced in this manuscript have been quoted THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Dedication
I dedicate this book to my Heavenly Father who has been there for me since the day I was born. He always looks after me. He provides me all of the opportunity, strength, and courage I need to live an abundant life.
I also dedicate this book to my husband who prayed, encouraged and supported me. He comforted, listened, and taught me so many things and for that, I thank you!
I dedicate this book to my parents who were there for me and supported me despite the difficulties in their lives. They loved, cared for, and prayed for me every minute of my life. Thank you, Mom and Dad!
I am who I am today because of God’s guidance, because of the love of my husband, my kids, my parents, and my other family members and friends. Thank you all.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever, Amen (1 Peter 4:11).
Introduction
This book reflects on how Christian women affect our society. It’s important to note that while both men and women exhibit the behaviors discussed here, in this book, I am focusing on Christian women.
Why do we always promote only the good things about Christian women? Our society is full of cold, harsh, bossy, ruthless, greedy, superficial, materialistic, vicious, hating, racist, unfair, prideful, egotistical, selfish women. What’s disappointing and sad is how many women call themselves Christian, yet their behavior is anything but Christ-like. We all are selfish and prideful to some degree, and it’s a harsh reality to admit we can be this way. But let’s be realistic about how Christian women really act.
The Biblical role of Christian women is to serve one another and to care for others, but are we so self-absorbed that we can only focus on ourselves? If I hadn’t met my true God, I’m sure I still would be living in my own selfish world like so many other Christian women. I’m very thankful and fortunate that God changed my focus away from myself towards others, and I pray He’ll do the same for all women who consider themselves to be Christian.
All the examples and stories are based on true events.
All the women in the following examples and stories are Christians.