Characteristics of a Godly Woman: Part 5

 By: Rebekah Hargraves

Photo Courtesy of: Alexandra Fuller

"Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand."

~Philippians 4:5

We come today to the conclusion of the month-long study we have undertaken to understand the characteristics of a godly woman. The final two in our list are as follows:

• Gentle 

This fruit of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:23 is also translated as "humility" and "meekness". While some may misconstrue it to mean weakness, it requires much strength to be meek, gentle, and humble when all our flesh wants is the complete opposite. But this is why these are fruits *of the Spirit* - they can only be cultivated in our lives by the sanctifying work of the Spirit as we walk by the Spirit. A Christian woman, then, will find herself naturally growing in gentleness as she grows in her relationship with the Lord and as her closeness with Him increases.

• Self-controlled

Also referred to as temperance or sober mindedness, this characteristic of a Christian (remember - these do not just apply to women alone, but rather to Christ-followers in general!) speaks to being able to control your passions and appetites, not allowing your feelings and desires to rule you, but rather you rule your feelings and desires. This, as with everything else, cannot be legalistically manufactured or accomplished in our own strength, but only as we walk by the Spirit and rely upon His work in our hearts will self-controlled be produced in us.

There you have it, friends! A study of a total of fourteen characteristics of a godly woman. Was the list what you were expecting? Can you think of other characteristics that should be added to this list? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Reflection Questions:

1)  What are you coming away with as we conclude this study?

2) What did you learn? What is your main takeaway?

3) What would you want to share with someone else?