Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in May. An official day given to honor mothers. Did you know the date for Mother’s Day was set in 1914? It originated in the US, and Canada adopted the date as well.
The Bible has been around for centuries. What does God say about how we are to honor mothers?
Leviticus 19:3 says “Each of you must respect his mother.” Then we read in Proverbs 23:22: “do not despise your mother when she is old.” It pleases God when we obey and do what He asks of us.
Let me share with you what I did to show respect for my mother:
Love Her Unconditionally
This meant I was to love and care for Mom regardless of how she carried out her maternal responsibilities. The Lord chose this special woman to be my mother. He doesn’t make mistakes, even though I may have questioned His decision at times. God didn’t give conditions with the commandment. Just simply to honour her. Some may be shaking their head as they read this. I understand it’s not always easy to love another, even our mother, unconditionally. My mother and I didn’t have an overly close relationship growing up. Extra effort was required on my part to love her back unconditionally, with God’s help, I was able to do it.
Attentive Of Her Needs
From infancy, children are accustomed to being cared for by their parents. Sometimes this goes on for years. How easy it is to forget that mothers have needs too. Mom was 82 when diagnosed with cancer, I stepped in to help. I made weekly trips to her senior-living apartment complex. She was losing her independence, and she knew it. She struggled with needing assistance from home-care providers, even from me. Each visit was different and over time her needs more demanding. During those times she’d say, “I don’t know what I would do without you.” Her way of telling me, “I love you.” words my heart needed to hear.
Show The Love Of Jesus
Mom was a devout Catholic and loved to attend Sunday morning Mass. I’m a born-again Christian. I attend church twice on Sunday and a mid-week Bible study. I laughed when Mom said, “You must be some holy!” Yet, she often told people how kind and thoughtful I was and how much she appreciated my being there for her. I’m a Christian-living woman. I believed Mom and those I came into contact with needed to see the love Jesus through my thoughts, words, and deeds. On any given day, I may be the only Jesus people see.
Pray For Her
I’m a strong believer in the power of prayer. As Mom’s needs became greater, so did my prayers for her. I could only do so much; the rest had to be given over to God, He would answer in His time and way. God knew when Mom could endure no more. In the early morning hours on January 20, 2016, He called her home to be with Him. Do I miss her? Yes, and I look forward to the day when I’ll see her again.
God said in His Word, “Respect Your Mother.” I’m so thankful that I listened and obeyed.
If God is speaking to you regarding your mother, listen to what He says. You will be blessed and so will your mother.