In any season of a woman’s life, whether it be the innocence of youth, the excitement of young adulthood, the experience of pregnancy, the trials of motherhood, the mentor discipling, or the wisdom of old age, or any other season she finds herself in expectedly or unexpectedly, a display of God’s Image that is to be honored and celebrated is revealed.
As the church, we are called to honor and celebrate women and the ways they bring beauty and life spiritually and physically to our world in countless ways.
Honoring Girls in Childhood
In childhood, girls are filled with curiosity and wonder. They bear the image of God in their innocence and creativity. Jesus had a distinct admiration for children, as He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
Honoring girls in childhood means nurturing their hearts and minds in the ways of God. We need to see their potential, not just for what they can accomplish one day, but for who they are right now. We invest in them by teaching them to love God’s Word, helping them develop their gifts, and showing them that they are treasured by their Creator.
There is no “Holy Spirit Jr.” — instead, God places the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead in children who place their faith in Him.
Honoring Young Women
The transition from childhood to young adulthood is often marked by searching for identity and purpose. In this season, women face new responsibilities, relationships, and challenges.
For young women, the church’s role is to foster wisdom and provide guidance, helping them navigate their unique paths with courage and grace. We can empower young women by walking alongside them, offering mentorship, and creating environments where they can explore their faith deeply and boldly respond to God’s call on their lives.
Honoring Women in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a sacred season, where women participate physically in the miracle of life. The Bible is full of stories of women like Sarah, Hannah, and Mary, who carried children with both joy and fear, yet trusting God’s faithfulness in the process.
The church must be a place where pregnant women are celebrated, supported, and cared for—both those who are excited for the journey and those who may feel unprepared. Pregnancy resource centers, mentorship programs, and church communities that offer practical help with practical needs, emotional support, and spiritual encouragement demonstrate our commitment to life and to the well-being of both mother and child.
Many of our partners work diligently to offer hope to pregnant women. Would you consider connecting your church to this list of organizations doing transformational work?
Honoring Mothers
Motherhood is both a profound blessing, but often feels like a daunting responsibility. Mothers are tasked with the daily work of nurturing and shaping the lives of their children, a task that reflects the very heart of God’s care for His people.
Isaiah 66:13 says, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”
The church honors mothers by providing spaces for them to rest, learn, and grow in their calling. We, as the Church, can help mothers know that their work is valuable and seen by God, even when it feels mundane or overwhelming.
Honoring Mentors
Women breathe life and beauty into relationships, ministries, and places in countless ways. Whether a woman ever finds the Lord bringing her marriage or not, children or not, or if either of those good gifts are lost for any reason, she is no less of a woman. She no less reveals the image of God uniquely in giving life, bringing beauty, and sharing wisdom. And regardless of the specific roles she has, or the names she answers to, in each season she has a powerful presence to mentor those placed in her life. And for the woman who is a believer in Christ, this takes on an entire new depth of discipleship as well in which she is pointing others to the source of Life Himself, Jesus Christ.
Honoring Older Women
As women age, their wisdom, experience, and faithfulness become invaluable treasures for the church. In Titus 2:3-5, older women are called to guide younger women, sharing the lessons they have learned in walking with Christ. The church must recognize the crucial role that older women play in mentoring the next generation.
Honoring elderly women means celebrating their contributions, offering them roles that allow them to share their wisdom, and caring for them as their physical needs increase. Too often, our culture marginalizes the elderly, but the church can create a counterculture where older women are valued and cherished for the value they bring today.
Conclusion: A Call to Honor
To honor women in any season of life is to honor the God who made them. Whether in childhood, young adulthood, pregnancy, motherhood, mentoring, or old age, women display aspects of God’s Image that the church cannot afford to overlook. As Christ honored women throughout His ministry, we too are called to see, value, and empower women, reflecting God’s love and care in every season of life.
This article goes along with the Image of God in the Women section of our study. Join us as we walk through our Image of God study over the next couple of months!
Access the study for free here!
