May 14, 2023
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last, but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” Proverbs 31:25-31 (NLT)
Today, we pause to celebrate mothers! Mother’s Day occurs in the U.S. once a year on the second Sunday of May. There is no command in the Word of God to dedicate a special day to honor our mothers, nor is there anything in the Bible to denounce it. So, the question is considering the pagan roots of the holiday, should Christians celebrate Mother’s Day?
The history of Mother’s Day can be traced back to celebrations in ancient Greece. During the 1600s, the early Christians in England celebrated a day to honor Mary, the mother of Christ. By a religious order, the holiday was later expanded to include all mothers which can be traced back to ancient pagan practices, but it has gone through a lot of changes and names to get to what we know today.
On this special day, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound love, sacrifice, and devotion that define the essence of motherhood. Godly mothers possess an incredible capacity to nurture, guide, and shape the lives of their children. Just as the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease. What an awesome privilege and responsibility to be a godly mother.
The Word of God has never stated that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom God blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task.
The Word of God is clear regarding the expectation of motherhood. Several things are commanded of Christian mothers in God’s Word! Proverbs 31:25-31 paints a vivid picture of a godly mother, a woman who exemplifies strength, wisdom, and kindness. Let’s review the qualities painted giving us an even deeper appreciation for the role of a mother and the profound impact she has on her family.
A Godly Mother Possesses:
Wisdom and Kindness: A mother possesses a unique wisdom, guiding her children with love and patience. Her words are filled with kindness, offering encouragement, correction, and support. Through her teaching, she equips her children to navigate life’s complexities and make godly choices.
Strength and Dignity: Motherhood demands tremendous strength, both physical and emotional. She has the strength to face challenges, sacrifices, and uncertainties with resilience and determination. No matter the situation, she carries herself with dignity, being an example for her children to follow.
Diligence and Responsibility: The mother described in these verses is diligent in her care for her household. She attends to the needs of her family, setting the tone for their well-being and happiness. She uses her time wisely embracing her responsibilities with dedication and purpose.
Appreciation and Praise: Often a mother’s love and devotion go unnoticed, but Proverbs 31:25-31 remind us of the enormous value she brings to her family. Her children rise up and call her blessed, acknowledging the impact she has had on their lives. Her husband praises her, recognizing her surpassing excellence.
The Fear of the Lord: Above all else, a godly mother’s heart is rooted in reverence for the Lord. Her faith shapes her character, influences her choices, and impacts her family. She makes her spiritual growth a priority, leading her children toward a personal relationship with God.
Today, we Honor the Heartbeat of Motherhood and Draw Inspiration From the Other Timeless Wisdom found in the Pages of God’s Word.
A Godly Mother Will…
Be Available ~ morning, noon, and night. “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again with your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road when you are going to bed, and when you are getting up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NLT)
Be Involved ~ by interacting, discussing, thinking, and processing life together “Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)
Teach Biblical Truth ~ the Scriptures and a biblical worldview. “For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them, even the children not yet born, and they, in turn, will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Psalms 78:5-7 (NLT). Deuteronomy 4:10; Ephesians 6:4)
Train ~ helping a child to develop skills and discover his/her strengths Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) ”Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12)
Discipline ~ teaching the fear of the Lord, drawing the line consistently, lovingly, and firmly. “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” Proverbs 13:24 (NLT) and (Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15-17)
Nurture ~ provides an environment of constant verbal support, freedom to fail, acceptance, affection, and unconditional love. Titus 2:4. “These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children.” (NLT) and Titus 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 4:29-32; 5:1-2; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 3:8-9.
Modeling with Integrity ~ living what you say, being a model from which a child can learn by “catching” the essence of godly living. People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. Proverbs 10:9 (NLT), and (Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 23; Proverbs 10:9; 11:3; Psalm 37:18, 37).
AN HONORING 
HEART: Today, as we honor mothers, let us not only express our love and gratitude but also reflect on the godly qualities they embody. Their strength, wisdom, kindness, and devotion leave an indelible mark on our lives. May we recognize the profound impact of a mother’s heart and strive to honor and appreciate them not only on this special day but every day of the year. Motherhood holds a significant place in Biblical teachings, and there are several passages in the Bible that highlight the importance of honoring and respecting mothers.
Today, we honor mothers who are no longer with us. Let us not only express our love and gratitude but also reflect on the godly qualities they embodied. Their strength, wisdom, kindness, and devotion left an indelible mark on our lives. May we continue to recognize the profound impact of a mother’s heart and strive to honor and appreciate them not only on this special day but every day of the year.
FATHER GOD: Thank You for Your Word that teaches us how to live and glorify You by honoring mothers past and present! Help us to always demonstrate Christian behavior by being obedient to Your Word, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!