The Bible recognizes motherhood as an important and fundamental duty, with the nurturing, instruction, and selfless sacrifices of mothers playing a crucial role in forming and molding the lives of children.
Motherhood and childbirth
God plans happiness for women in motherhood Ps 113:9
A mother’s role as teacher Pr 1:8 Also see Pr 6:20; 2Ti 1:5
The responsibility to discipline children Pr 29:15
The joy or sorrow of parents at their children’s conduct
Pr 10:1 Also see: Pr 23:25
The negative influence of some mothers upon their children
2Ch 22:3 Also see: Ge 27:5-17; 1Ki 22:52; Mt 14:6-8; 20:20-22
Children’s responsibility to honour their parents
Ex 20:12 Deut 5:16 “Honour” implies respect, obedience and care for the parent’s needs. Also see: Lev 19:3; Mt 19:19 Mk 10:19 Lk 18:20; Eph 6:1-3
This honour is due especially to mothers in old age Pr 23:22
Penalties for disobeying parents
Ex 21:15,17; Deut 21:18-21; Pr 20:20; Mt 15:4-6 Mk 7:10-13
Sexual relations with one’s mother or mother-in-law are forbidden
Lev 18:7; Deut 27:23
Upon marriage, the mother-child relationship becomes secondary
Ge 2:24 Also see: Mt 19:5 Mk 10:7; Eph 5:31
Care for a mother-in-law
Ru 2:11 Also see: Mt 8:14-15 Mk 1:29-31 Lk 4:38
The ministry of Jesus Christ may produce conflict within families
Lk 12:53 Mt 10:35-36
Following Jesus Christ involves a commitment to him even deeper than love of one’s parents
Mt 10:37 Also see: Lk 14:26
Jesus Christ regards those who do God’s will as his own family
Mt 12:49-50 Mk 3:31-35 Lk 8:19-21 Also see: Mt 19:29 Mk 10:29 Lk 18:29-30
Say this prayer: Father in heaven, Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all of my sins. Come into my heart, and be my Lord and Savior. Please, help me live for you and fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.