Proverbs 31 Princess | Part 9: Belle

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Princess:

Belle

Royal Quality:

Kind

kind
adjective
generous, helpful, and thinking about other people’s feelings.

Scripture Passages:

Proverbs 31:26; Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:35; Galatians 6:10; Proverbs 11:16-17; Philippians 2:3

Castle Dining:

Try the grey stuff—it’s delicious! Serve your guests (or yourself) “The Grey Stuff” from Beauty and the Beast. Click here for the simple recipe!

Another idea is “Belle’s Enchanted Strawberry Roses,” made by cutting strawberries into the shape of a rose. I found a cute and easy tutorial here. (Please be careful when cutting these and make sure an adult is present!)

For a drink, serve “Mrs. Potts Tea.”

Melodies:

Devotion:

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a young Prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the Prince was spoiled, selfish, and unkind. -Beauty and the Beast

Kindness is a very rare quality, and one that seems to be dying a little more each day. This world has plenty of girls who are rude, self-centered and mean, but a girl who is kind stands out.

Belle definitely stood out in her little town. The villagers all agreed that she was a “funny girl.” There was something different about her. While the rest of the townspeople bustled about their daily lives, arguing and complaining, Belle greeted everyone she met with a smile. Later, when forced into a terrible situation, her gentle spirit still remained. She showed kindness to the enchanted objects at the Beast’s castle—and even to the Beast himself. Even though he was hideous and temperamental, Belle learned to look past his appearance and see the cursed and hurting man within.

God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart. -1 Samuel 16:7

It’s easy to be kind to some people. But what about those who are less-than-kind to us? Or those who really get on our nerves? Oftentimes, the people who need our kindness the most are the ones who are hardest to love. Jesus is the greatest example of this—loving the unlovable—and we’re called to be more like Him!

Us girls can be so mean to each other. Whether that’s in real life or on social media. Our society glorifies sarcasm, drama and “being salty.” (I’m definitely guilty of having my sassy pants on.) We’re encouraged to think of ourselves first and hold grudges for as long as necessary. But that’s not how we’re meant to live! As women of God, we are called to be different! We’re called to forgive. To love our enemies. To be patient and kind. And as the dictionary says, kindness is “thinking about other people’s feelings.” Is what we’re saying/commenting uplifting, beneficial, kind?

A kind woman gets respect, but cruel men get only wealth. -Proverbs 11:16

So let’s be the women who keep kindness alive. If you’re striving to be that girl, I applaud you! Keep going! Our world has enough drama, moodiness and hate—it needs women who will choose to be humble, thoughtful and loving. You never know how showing kindness could change someone’s day—or life! The world may think you’re a “funny girl,” but they will see the difference in you and know who you are by your love.

By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. -John 13:35

Questions:

1. What did you learn from the Scripture passages?
2. What Bible verse really stood out to you?
3. What does it look like to be a girl or a woman who’s kind?
4. Why do you think our world is so filled with “mean girls” and hate?
5. How can you show kindness to others even when it’s hard?