What Does the Bible Have to Say to Mothers?

One of the first thing we see the Bible say about mothers is that motherhood was God’s idea. Within the creation narrative we know God created male and female. One of the purposes for creating members of the opposite sex was for procreation. It was God’s intention that a man and a woman would come together in marriage, and one of the possible outcomes of that union would be the ability to procreate, therefore creating mothers and fathers.

It was God’s plan to create family units with mothers and fathers that would be responsible for raising children. After Adam and Eve were created, God gave them an instruction to be fruitful and multiply. This would not just serve Adam and Eve, but literally all humanity. The beauty of it is that Eve would not just be the mother of her children, but the mother of all the living – which is what her name means.

“Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living” (Genesis 3:20).

Bible Verses about Mothers and Motherhood

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16).

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem” (Isaiah 66:13).

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15).

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head, and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9).

To read more Bible verses about mothers, click here.

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In the book of 1 Kings, we see a story that gives us a picture of the heart of a mother. You can read the full story in 1 Kings 3 but here is the synopsis. Two women had babies. One woman accidentally slept on her son, and he died. She then switched her son with the other woman’s baby and acted as if her baby was still alive and the other woman’s baby had died. When the woman realized it wasn’t her baby, they came before Solomon for him to rule on their dispute. Here is how Solomon decided this dispute.

“Then the king said, ‘Bring me a sword.’ So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: ‘Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.’

The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, ‘Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!’

But the other said, ‘Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!’

Then the king gave his ruling: ‘Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother’” (1 Kings 3:24-27).

This story gives us insight into what the Bible says about mothers and one of the aspects of motherhood. In this instance, this mother protected the life of her son, even if it meant losing him to someone else. This story demonstrates the caring, compassion and love that is typically exhibited by mothers towards their children.

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There are many different ways a mother can influence her home and her children. I want to share with you just three.

1. A mother cares

“Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).

One of the most endearing images you can have is a mother nursing her child. This is an example of care that begins at birth and has the potential to continue through life. As I consider my own life and the relationship my wife has with our two kids, I see there is a nurturing nature that flows out of her as a mother, that is different than what flows from me. 

2. A mother teaches

“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 6:20).

Part of the role of being a mother and a parent in general is the responsibility to teach. There are so many things children need to learn as they progress through the various stages of life. A mother is doing her job well when she is teaching and instructing her children.

3. A mother can instill

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

One of the greatest examples of generational faith in the Bible is the life of Timothy. His father was Greek, and we are not sure if he was a believer, but we are certain his mother and grandmother were. These women were instrumental in developing and instilling this faith in Timothy. We don’t know a lot about them outside of this, but we are certain these women did an excellent job in transferring their faith from one generation to the next.

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What does it take to be a godly mother and what do they look like? Allow me to share with you some qualities a godly mother will possess.

A godly mother prays often.

From the first two children ever born until now, it is has never been easy to raise kids. If you are going to be a godly mother, then prayer must be essential to your life. Possibly now more than ever before we need mothers and fathers who make prayer the most important aspect of their lives. It takes supernatural wisdom in this hour to raise children, which means we need praying mothers more than we ever have before.

A godly mother is persistent.

Along with prayer there needs to be a persistency in raising your children. There will be moments when it looks like the wheels are about to fall off or nothing is working. In those moments you need to stay the course and trust what God has said in his word. It will not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

A godly mother knows when it’s time to let go.

Despite the amount of love, nurturing, caring, and concern a mother can give, there will come a time when they must let go. Perhaps this is the most challenging part of motherhood. You must recognize that raising your children is not a permanent job, but a temporary one. You may have a few decades to do it, but there will come a time when your work is done. This does not mean you stop being a mother – it means that your responsibilities in the life of your child change. 

Many times, they may go and start their own families and you must recognize that your role is different. It is important not to neglect this role, and it is also important to be sure you transition into this role. You are no longer the chief instructor, but now you become the chief supporter and encourager. The support and encouragement you give during this time can be what your children need to carry on and be the adults God intends them to be. Without this transition, you may end up doing more harm than good.

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Dear God,

We pray for every mother and the roles they play in their children’s lives. Regardless of the stage of life their children are in, give them the wisdom to know what to do and how to live before them. Let them all be mothers like Lois and Eunice and help them instill a godly heritage in their children and grandchildren. We thank you for this, in Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Mothers were important in the beginning, and they will remain important. As long as we keep having children there will always be the critical role of a mother steering and guiding her children along the way. To all the mothers – thank you for the work you do, and we pray you will continue strong in the extremely crucial role God has given you.

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