Chances are great that you know at least one mom in your life. Whether she is still living, has passed away, or is completely unknown to you—a mom brought you into this world and made some sort of impact in your life. God’s word asks us to honor our Mothers. He places so much importance on honoring them, that He included it in the Ten Commandments. When you think about honoring your Mom, maybe it sounds easy for you to follow this command? But what if it seems difficult, or impossible? How do we honor our mothers the way God expects us to? Today we will look at specific ways in which we can be obedient to God’s word by honoring that important person who God used to begin our life. Mom.
Honor your father and mother. Ephesians 6:2a (New International Version)
Moms everywhere have needs specific to being a mom. Honoring anyone means we help meet those needs the same way we do in love for one another.
MOMS NEED PATIENCE
Yet though He did all this for them, they continued to test His patience. Psalm 78:56a (New Living Translation)
As moms, you might feel guilty when you are faced with moments that you feel impatient with others. However, God understands moms’ need for patience. The act of feeling impatient yet outwardly struggling to act patient is a sign of growth in this area. So take comfort in knowing that you are growing with each opportunity to grow in love.
Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 (New Living Translation)
For when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. James 1:3-4 (The Living Bible)
Do for others what you would like them to do for you. Matthew 7:12a(NLT)
MOMS NEED APPRECIATION
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 (New International Version)
Whenever we pray for you, we always begin by giving thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:3 (The Living Bible)
We can appreciate our moms verbally by thanking them for the attitudes we have, the life they have brought us into, and the care they have given to us. But what if you no longer have your mom to thank in person? Or what if you have a strained relationship with your mother. You can honor your mother by continuing to thank God for these things in your life and for your mother.
MOMS NEED A LIFE
It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones. Psalm 127:2 (New Living Translation)
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (New American Standard)
The abundant life is not merely for those who are able to have it. The scripture above includes everyone equally, including moms. Moms need a life, to be able to be a good parent. We can honor mom by helping her have a life by creating a personal space for her own privacy and time to be with God. We can offer to help her in her daily tasks so she can also have time to herself. She is impacting our future generation, so we owe it to moms to help them be at their best, and also partake of the abundant life.
MOMS NEED WISDOM
But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people, so He will give you wisdom. James 1:5 (New Century Version)
God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ. Colossians 2:3 (Good Word)
Have you ever prayed for someone else to have wisdom? What an impact it has in our own lives, when we lift up our moms in prayer for guidance and wisdom from Christ.
MOMS NEED VALIDATION
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:28-31 (New International Version)
The city gate, in Biblical times, was a place of extreme importance. Legal decisions and planning was done by high city officials at the city gates. Note that God has placed the importance of moms and what they do, equal to the distinguished people, that met at this place.
MOMS NEED COMMUNICATION
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)
Conversation is not limited to one word. Have you ever asked a question, and received only a one word answer? Fine and Okay, is not the answer your mom is looking for when she asks you about your day. Honor her by giving the time to have a conversation with her. Share information and ask her about her day too.
MOMS NEED REST
Then Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28 (New Living Translation)
We all need rest, but moms need it in particular. Most moms complain frequently about how tired they are, but that they also feel guilty about not doing more. Moms need rest to replenish and go on. We can’t give, what we are too tired to do.
MOMS NEED FAITH
Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in Me. John 14:1 (New Living Translation)
Trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 (New Living Translation)
We shouldn’t try to conjure up our own faith. Faith is something that God gives us. The ability to have faith comes from Him alone, so lean on Jesus and allow Him to be your refuge, moms. Faith eliminates all that moms tend to worry about.
To sum up in one word:
YOUR MOTHER NEEDS YOU TO REPENT!
Repentance means a new start. It means trusting our lives to Jesus and there could be no better way to honor your Mother.
Apply It
1. PG gave us a portion of the chapter from Proverbs 31. Read the entire chapter, and thank God and your mom if possible, for being these things. If you know a mom, who might not even be your mom—thank her and encourage her for being this kind of woman.
2. In this age of technology, we sometimes forget to be personal with our moms, particularly if they are older. Make a date with your mom to have some conversation. If she lives far away, make a phone date to talk with her. Ask her questions about her life, and relive moments of her own childhood and memories of her mother.
If you are no longer able to talk to your mom, talk with someone else about her memory, a sibling, or family friend.
And if your relationship with your mom is strained, or you are experiencing a difficult time because you want to be a mom, talk with God about how to honor her, or how to get healing for your soul. God is full of mercy and grace, His love is enough.
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