Lessons Learned From Lydia

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Lydia was an essential part of Paul’s ministry in Philippi, known to be the first convert to Christianity in all of Europe. She was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer of purple cloth which was very valuable, representing nobility or royalty. With no mention of a husband, it is assumed Lydia maintained her own household and would have had to possess grit and determination to work in the male-dominated world of that time. She was likely a woman of wealth because of her vocation.

More importantly, Lydia was a woman of God who opened her heart to Jesus in response to Paul’s message. She courageously came forward and was publicly baptized. She was hospitable to Paul and his accompanying missionaries, hosting them in her own home. Acts 16:40 says, “When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town.”

Though she is only mentioned in a few verses in the Bible, Lydia’s impact on the early Christian Church and Paul’s ministry was extraordinary. She was a hard-working, courageous woman God used to do mighty, Kingdom things! Her generosity was foundational to the spread of Christianity that spanned the globe.

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: How can we be hospitable and generous to others—open to being used by God to spread the gospel?

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Prayer: Father God, we praise Your holy name today as the Lord of our lives! Give us a generous spirit with the desire to share Your gospel with those who need it. Open our hearts to whatever You have for us to do. We love You, Lord, and thank You for Your guidance! In Your name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: Though the pages of our lives may not seem filled with many lines of profound stories, the most impactful lines are those we commit to God to further His Kingdom.