Biblical Femininity Introduction

“Femininity” is starting to become somewhat of an internet buzzword these days. It’s a fashion mood. It’s an identity.  Some see it as opposed to feminism, some people are feminine AND feminist.  And now men can be feminine, too.  

Is feminine something you either are or aren’t? Can you develop this? Is it something nurtured into you as a young child because you were given dolls and tea cups, or did your nature drive your choice of plaything? 

Most importantly, what IS femininity? 

More specifically, what is Biblical femininity?

In this foundational Biblical Femininity Bootcamp post, we will uncover what biblical femininity is, where we find it in God’s Word and scratch the surface of the much deeper topic of femininity as your nature or something to grow into. 

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What Is Biblical Femininity?

Simply put, Biblical femininity is God’s design for women – the nature He imprinted upon them at Creation – which flows out into their role in society, relationships, and the church. 

In the beginning, before sin entered, before the garden of Eden, before anything was even created at all, God had a plan. He designed humanity to fellowship with and glorify Him.  He created mankind in His image, formed a man, and saw that he should not be alone. Then God formed a woman from the man to accompany, complement, and support him. 

Creation was whole, complete.  

Unfortunately, perfection did not last long. His original design was marred, but it was not completely changed.  Indeed His design is still excellent and perfect, but we cannot execute it perfectly in our corrupted flesh.

Thankfully, He has not left us without hope or help.

When we become born again, the Holy Spirit indwells us and gives us power to live victoriously over our flesh. This does not mean that we will never sin again or will never give into the lusts of the flesh or tricks of the enemy, but it does mean that our new identity is no longer a slave to these passions.

Now, each day, through the wisdom of the Word, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we walk through life with the freedom to experience the fullness of the blessing of His design. 

Femininity In The Word

There are many places in scripture that God lays out instruction specific to women. There are examples of faith-filled women and passages about marriage, motherhood, and homemaking.  Two main passages focused heavily on femininity are Proverbs chapter 31 and Titus chapter 2.  This won’t be a full exposition of each passage – just enough to whet your whistle! 

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She…

….will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
…seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
…is like the merchants’ ships;
…bringeth her food from afar.
…riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
…considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
…girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
…perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
…layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
…stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
…is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
…maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:10-31

That’s pretty hefty! There’s no passage how to be masculine (or how to be many other things) quite like it. It displays not only the glory of God’s beautiful design – how praiseworthy a godly woman can be – but also how kind God is to spell it out so clearly for us. We could all work on JUST this list for our whole lives and still have work left to do!

But it doesn’t end there. Come now to the New Testament.

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Titus 2:1-5

It’s not quite as many verses, but still jammed packed.  And there are more gems all throughout the scripture, and certainly verses that apply to ALL Christians – not just women – that we have for instruction.  

In just these two major parts of scripture, we see a woman caring for a family, relating to her husband, keeping a home, being an individual, interacting in society, having value, contributing to social and spiritual life, being respected and respectable, honorable, and more. 

Are you seeing how femininity is something God cares about? Clearly, womanhood is not a half-baked idea, or a left over position that God needed to fill. He is concerned enough to have it written about in His Word quite a lot.

It is our duty to take what is important to Him

and make it important to us. 

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Being And Growing in Biblical Femininity

Now, since it is so important to God, He must bestow it upon us so that we are pleasing to Him, right? 

Well, that would be nice …. But, yes and no.

God has created humanity with male and female instincts and the biology to reinforce it but we must remember that our flesh is at enmity with God (Romans 8:7). It does not want us  in harmony with God’s design.  Not only that, there is the enemy Satan who “prowls about like a lion seeking whom he may devour”. (1 Peter 5:8). He has existed since the beginning of creation, so he’s had a long time to work on his devious plans to keep us away from God’s blessings. 

Consider just these issues (which are only the tip of the iceberg, YIKES!) that war against gender as God designed it:

• Media
• Education 
• Entertainment
• Chemicals in our food, water, air, and daily products
• Feminism
• Break down of the family 
• Compromise in the church
• Loss of tradition
• Lies from satan
• Lies from our flesh 

Unfortunately, because of all of these contrary factors, we cannot just rely on our nature or biology to hopefully get us to the proper destination.  We MUST intentionally nurture the seeds of femininity placed within us because without nourishment they die.  

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So, Where To Start?

First, it takes an honest and willing heart.  Ready for a hard truth?

Despite what the internet and cute t-shirts say,
you are NOT “enough”!

I’m sure you have many great qualities and are fun to be around, but like myself, you have areas to improve upon til the day you die.  Remember that “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Second, dig into the Word.

All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Word IS God (John 1:1) which means it is infinite (Revelation 1:8) so it’s important to spend time reading daily even if it doesn’t feel “special” each and every time. Whenever we are lacking God has wisdom for us in the Word. There are many reading plans and audio bibles online, or you can simply read chapter by chapter. It doesn’t really matter how you get it in, just do it consistently.

Next, you need community. 

Yes, another “buzzword”. 

God made us social beings and placed us in groups with other people so that we could be strengthened, encouraged, lifted up, and protected.  Having a group of like-minded folks is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself no matter the reason for the group. It’s why everyone from religions to scout clubs to addicts meet in groups. Our community’s example teaches us and reinforces our beliefs.

Christians are not an exception. It’s hard to survive very well by ourselves. “We, like sheep” (Isaiah 53:6), need our flock.

 

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

The day is approaching (regardless of what you think happens on that day)!  We must heed God’s Word and make sure we stay connected in community with believers.

As it relates to biblical femininity, find a woman (or a few) that you can spend a good amount of time with. Look for a lady that is where you want to be when you are her age – a thriving fun marriage, children that love the Lord, a sweet and gracious spirit, someone who encourages instead of complains, etc. She will be absolutely invaluable in your walk!

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I’m Glad You’re Here!

In this intro to biblical femininity, I’ve just scratched the surface of what biblical femininity is, why it’s important to God, some places to find it in the Word, and how to start nurturing it in your life. Of course, this is in no way meant to be an exhaustive instruction manual or theological discussion. 

Don’t worry, I’m not leaving you hanging! I’ve created BFB to fill you with knowledge and inspire you,  the “watch-woman on the wall” of your home. On this site you’ll find:

•  A resource page of books and podcasts that I have personally used (and still use!) and recommend pertaining to biblical femininity. They include information on womanhood, being a wife, motherhood, and homemaking. 
• Frequent new blog posts
• Links to my social media (I spend the most time on Instagram)
• You can also join my email list! (See the sidebar to the right or bottom of the page.)

Biblical femininity is quite the undertaking in this current world. Just being here reading this page is a great start! Don’t give yourself too low of expectations, but keep in mind this is a lifelong journey. You are not meant to arrive next week  – or, kind of ever!
Perfection comes in heaven.

On the way there, though, here you are fulfilling one of the greatest callings there is – to be an excellent godly woman whose price is far above rubies!

For The Kingdom,
Louise