Lydia: A Woman Who Opened Her Heart and Home
Lydia: A Woman Who Opened Her Heart and Home
“14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.” Acts 16:14-15 NKJV
Purple, violet, amethyst.
The color of sweet, ripe fruit growing on the vine. The hue of sovereignty. All beautiful outcomes when sapphire and crimson co-exist.
Lydia was a courageous woman with an open heart. She was a merchant of elegant purple linen, usually reserved for royalty, in a male-dominated Roman empire. But even more important than her role in the marketplace was her role in the Kingdom of heaven.
She was a woman who opened her heart to God’s message, and through this message, Lydia accepted Jesus as her Messiah and was baptized along with her household.
Verse 15 says that after her family’s baptism, she opened her home to Paul, Silas, and Timothy, insisting they stay with her. In doing so, she played a significant part in the start of the early church.
A Businesswoman
Described as a businesswoman, Lydia was living in a Roman city at a time when culture played a significant role in the worth of a woman. While it is most likely the Roman culture set her worth, Lydia knew her value and identity came from being a daughter of the King, a follower of Christ.
Lydia derived her worth from God and accepted her place within the Kingdom as a child of God.
Although Lydia was known as a successful businesswoman, she recognized her knowledge and wisdom came from the Lord. It was His business, and she conducted herself as such. Lydia worked for the Lord. Her work was a seller of purple, but her identity was a child of God and she never misunderstood who she was and whose she was.
This is true for us as well. Whatever our role, saleswoman, stay-at-home mom, or entrepreneur, we are to work for the glory of God.
A Role Model
Lydia was not only known for her business acumen, she was also an essential leader within her family.
God’s goodness opened her heart to hear the Truth of Christ, and because of His faithfulness, she was baptized, and her family was as well. This is so important. Regardless of our role in our workplace or community, our role within our family is the most significant role we can hold. YOU are an influence on those around you. Remember the old cliché, “don’t do as I do, do as I say.” My friend, just the opposite is true – don’t do what I say to do, do what I do, and it is my prayer you are reflecting the character of Christ in all you say and do.
You see, our families are watching. They are watching you as you spend your mornings in prayer. They see how you respond to the difficulties and challenges. And they feel the shift in the atmosphere as you, a royal Daughter, bring heaven to every atmosphere you occupy – it’s reflecting the love of Christ in all you do.
A Servant
I admire Lydia’s persistence in welcoming Paul, Silas, and Timothy into her home. Holman’s Study Bible for Women states that “hospitality is an important ministry for all Christians, especially women.” Indeed, at a time when hotels and Airbnb’s were not accessible to travelers. Many travelers were dependent on the generosity of families living in the towns and rural areas where they ventured.
Lydia opened her home to these men. She not only shared her God-given resources but in her generosity, Lydia supported the ministry of Christ. She knew the importance of expanding the Kingdom of God and chose to contribute with the gifts God had provided for her.
The same is true for us. God is our provider, and we are called to give out of our simple means, including our time, talents, and treasures.
Giving may look different for each of us. Perhaps you may open your home to missionaries, volunteer your services at your church, or provide financial resources to support a local food bank. The possibilities to give are all around you. If you are unsure, check your intentions and motivations by seeking God in prayer, asking who and where to serve.
A Woman with a Heart for God
Lydia was courageous, hard-working, and a giver.
And what a beautiful example of a woman with a heart for God. Lydia was a merchant of purple cloth, living her life by the blue of heaven and the red of Christ’s blood. Beautiful outcomes when sapphire and crimson co-exist.
She opened her heart and home to God, generously sharing her resources to further expand the Kingdom of God. Due to her bold faith, Lydia led a life that serves as an exemplary role model for us. Lydia honored and glorified God in all that she did.
I pray you, too, glorify God in all that you do!
