This article is an excerpt from the devotional, United: Reflections on Partnership in the Bible. Download your copy and discover the power and purpose of partnerships in scripture.

The partnership of women and men together in God’s mission has often got a bad rap. Perhaps understandably so given the fragility of human behaviour. Much of our world is hostile to women and girls, seeing them as second-class citizens with little or no value beyond child rearing, domestic servitude, and physical labour.

But when women and girls can’t participate economically or in decision making, it’s not just they who suffer. Their families suffer, their communities and nations are restricted in their social and economic progress, and the world is a lesser place. It’s important then, that we understand what the Bible has to say about women, and about men and women together.

‘Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…” So God created man (human beings) in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.’ (Genesis 1:26-27)

This is the most exalted view of humanity anyone could imagine—that we’re made in the image of God. Furthermore, God’s first word about women completely shatters the notion that boys are more valuable than girls. He gives both the same identity and, in the very next verses, the same responsibilities by entrusting his creation to them both.

This view of women as equal with men is supported again and throughout scripture. Deborah, Esther, Miriam, Hannah, Rahab, Jael and Abigail are just some of the incredibly important people in God’s mission. And the reality of the Proverbs 31 woman as the epitome of wisdom describes someone who’s strong, smart, and astute as well as one who loves justice fiercely. But these stories where women are featured are not a win for woman and a loss for men. In fact, these stories result in mutual flourishing.

The Bible contains so many examples of God esteeming, calling and using women and men together as image bearers of God. When we look for ways to actively work together, whole families and communities flourish, the church is richer, our mission is expanded, the world is a better place, and the Kingdom of God is unlimited by a small vision of God’s calling on our lives and partnerships.

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