Paid in full
John Povey
September 23, 2018
Add to Favourites
Proverbs 31: 10-12, 20, 25-26, 28-30
10 A capable wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.20 She opens her hand to the poor,
and reaches out her hands to the needy.25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.28 Her children rise up and call her happy;
her husband too, and he praises her:
29 ‘Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.’
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Not many popular songs were written about motherhood until “No Charge”, written by Harlan Howard, was released in 1974. The song tells of a little boy who hands his mother a note. On that note there is a list of what he is due for all his chores: total 14 dollars and 75 cents. His mother takes the note and writes her list on the back, with her total: “No charge”.
The song ends,
“And he looked up at his mother and he said ‘mama I sure do love you’
Then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote ‘Paid In Full’”.
You cannot love without giving. Such giving, though free and full, is also costly. The generous maternal spirit reflects the grace of God, who through Jesus on the Cross calls us to accept His love and mercy, which are “Paid in Full”.
God of abundance and generosity, thank you for your unfailing love for me, your blessings, your goodness. Thank you for your faithfulness to guide me and see me through times of uncertainty, for lifting me up, and setting me on high. Thank you for your Word that comforts and reminds me of your promises and provision. Help me to share your gifts graciously and wisely. Amen.
Login to comment.