Titus 2:3-5 clarifies what mature spiritual relationships between generations of women should look like. Susan Hunt unveils how to put that model into action with stories of biblical and contemporary women who have responded to God’s call. Through many examples the author does not only prepare the mature woman to lead, but also the younger woman to follow.
Susan Hunt is a former director of women’s ministries for the Presbyterian Church of America, a pastor’s wife, and the ‘Women in the Church’ consultant for the PCA.
Hunt gives the definition for the spiritual mothering relationship as: “When a woman possessing faith and spiritual maturity enters into a nurturing relationship with a younger woman in order to encourage and equip her to live for God’s glory.” (p. 12) She works out how this can be done using many biblical illustrations, but in particular her model around the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her older cousin Elizabeth. “When women do for other women what Elizabeth did for Mary, I believe we will see young women burst forth in lives of praise to God.” (p. 13)
The book is divided into three sections and each chapter begins with a short story about a woman who was encouraged and helped by some other godly women and ends with “A Spiritual Mothering Challenge.” Part One: “The Mandate” has as starting point the relationship that God has with His people, which is compared in various parts of Scripture to the love of a mother for her child. It also describes the purpose of our life i.e. to glorify God in all we do and live in obedience to Him. With this foundation clearly outlined, the author moves on to discuss the command in Titus 2. This command firstly speaks of how the older women should conduct themselves and what they need to teach the younger women. “Modelling is probably the most effective way older women train younger women.” (p. 57)
Part two: “The Model” goes back to the example of Mary and Elizabeth. It focuses on the development of a nurturing relationship, which must be formed before one can encourage and equip. The godly woman must also be saturated in the truths of God’s Word, in order to help someone else live in obedience to this Word and to God’s glory. This part also gives attention for the need of the younger women to be willing to learn, to be willing to approach an older, godly woman to seek advice, and to learn by their example.
The last section of the book, “The Method”, covers many practical ways in which older women can encourage and equip the younger women in the congregation. Many texts in the Bible, especially in the letters to the churches, speak of encouraging one another, building each other up in love, serving one another in love, and “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10). The biblical example of Dorcas from the book of Acts is given as a commentary on serving in love and creating an environment where others are stimulated to love and good deeds. She made a difference in the lives of those around her.
A chapter is also put aside to deal with the issue of forgiveness. It “is the cornerstone of the ministry of encouragement, yet many believers are blocked from experiencing the joy of their salvation and from being encouragers to others because of an unforgiving spirit”. Another biblical example is illustrated in the life of Abigail who, although she must have suffered much at the hands of her surly, arrogant husband Nabal, was able to reach out and encourage David to keep away from bloodshed.
What is beautiful about this book, is that although there are many small anecdotes from the author, the basis of the model and method is founded on biblical principles and biblical examples. God has given all we need in His Word, and the godly example of biblical characters serve as role models for us all.
