To help us remember and thank God for the gift of motherhood it is good for us to consider what He teaches us about it in His Word. We find that throughout Scripture we read about godly mothers who raised their children to love, honour and serve God. Consider these verses that show ten characteristics of a godly mother.
1. PRAYERFUL
She prays for each of her children and intercedes for them daily. For their salvation, to have a teachable heart and protection from the lies of the world. “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.” (1 Samuel 1:27) “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians6:18)
2. SEEKS BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE
She maintains an intimate relationship with God through prayerful devotions to keep a discerning heart. “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.” (Prov 15:14)
3. FEARS THE LORD
She chooses not to worry about gaining worldly acceptance and meeting all those unrealistic expectations and devotes herself to living to please God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” (Psalm 111:10)
4. KEEPS A PURE HEART
She is aware of everything that influences her thoughts, actions, and emotions and relies on the Holy Spirit to convict her of hurts, habits and hangups that can compromise her faith and mission. She grows in integrity as she centres her identity in Christ and finds peace, strength and safety in Him. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
5. A JOYFUL SPIRIT
She has a joy that is rooted in knowing that her God will never forsake her as she faces the challenges of raising her children. “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (Proverbs 31:25)
6. A WISE STEWARD
She stewards her God-given life and glorifies God by managing her time and is not distracted by social media, comparing, movies and frivolous spending. “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:27)
7. CONTENT
Her life is marked by contentment. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12)
8. A LOVING COMFORTER
She is present with her children to support them through the trails of growing up. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 66:13) She has godly patience and kindness and is empathic and understanding.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
9. A LOVING TEACHER
She relies on God to empower her to train up her children. She delights in helping them discover their God-given gifts, talents, and purpose. Trains them to pray, live, work, serve, and worship. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:26)
10. CHRISTLIKE SELFLESSNESS
She finds joy in serving and loving others as Jesus did. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
“No man is poor who has a Godly mother.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in
her children.” – Billy Graham
“In the absence of a loving home, children will go the way of the culture.” – Sally Clarkson