In the eyes of the Lord, a good mother holds a special place in the family unit. The Bible offers guidance on what virtues and qualities make up a good mother. **According to Proverbs 31:26-27 (NIV), “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”** A good mother is one who is wise, nurturing, and diligent in her duties, ensuring the well-being of her family.
**Proverbs 31:28-29 (NIV) states, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”** A good mother is respected and honored by her family for her selflessness and virtue. The role of a mother is not to be taken lightly, as biblical teachings highlight the importance of motherhood in shaping the lives of children. **Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) emphasizes, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”** This underscores the significant impact a mother has on the spiritual and moral development of her children.
Attributes of a Good Mother in the Bible
Mothers play a vital role in the upbringing of their children, providing love, guidance, and support. In the Bible, we find examples of strong, nurturing mothers who exhibit many attributes that we can aspire to emulate in our own lives. Let’s explore some of the key attributes of a good mother as highlighted in the Bible.
1. Unconditional Love
Proverbs 31:28
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
2. Wisdom and Guidance
Proverbs 1:8-9
“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 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
3. Perseverance and Strength
Exodus 2:1-10
The story of Moses’ mother, Jochebed, is a powerful example of a mother’s perseverance and strength. Despite the dangers she faced, she courageously protected her son and trusted God’s plan for his life.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
4. Prayer and Faith
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
James 5:16
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
5. Compassion and Kindness
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Proverbs 31:20
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
6. Selflessness and Sacrifice
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Illustration of Attributes of a Good Mother
| Attribute | Illustration |
|---|---|
| Unconditional Love | A mother caring for her child with a smile, showing love and affection. |
| Wisdom and Guidance | A mother teaching her child how to read and guiding them in making good choices. |
| Perseverance and Strength | A mother overcoming challenges to provide for her family and support her children. |
| Prayer and Faith | A mother praying with her children and trusting in God’s plan for their lives. |
| Compassion and Kindness | A mother helping those in need and showing kindness to everyone she meets. | Selflessness and Sacrifice | A mother putting her children’s needs above her own and making sacrifices for their well-being. |
As mothers, we can look to the examples of these strong and nurturing women in the Bible to guide us in cultivating these attributes in our own lives. By embodying qualities such as unconditional love, wisdom and guidance, perseverance and strength, prayer and faith, compassion and kindness, and selflessness and sacrifice, we can strive to be the best mothers we can be for our children.
May we seek God’s wisdom and grace as we fulfill our role as mothers, and may our children rise up and call us blessed as we lead them with love and strength.
Importance of Motherhood in Biblical Teachings
The Bible teaches us the importance of motherhood through various stories and verses that highlight the role of mothers in shaping the lives of their children and families. Let’s explore some of the key teachings on motherhood in the Bible:
Hannah’s Dedication to Motherhood
1 Samuel 1:27-28
27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.
- Hannah’s deep desire for a child and her commitment to dedicating her son Samuel to the Lord from a young age show the sacrificial love and devotion of a mother.
Mary’s Obedience and Faith
Luke 1:46-49
46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
- Mary’s willingness to accept God’s plan for her life and raise Jesus with humility, faith, and love exemplifies the impact a mother’s obedience and faith can have on her children.
The Proverbs 31 Woman
Proverbs 31:26-28
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
- The description of the Proverbs 31 woman emphasizes the virtues of a mother who is wise, diligent, and caring, leaving a lasting impact on her children and earning their respect and admiration.
Rachel’s Fervent Prayer
Genesis 30:22
Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive.
- Rachel’s perseverance in prayer for a child reflects a mother’s unwavering hope and belief in God’s faithfulness, showing the power of a mother’s prayers in bringing about blessings.
The Compassion of the Mother of Moses
Exodus 2:3-4
3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.
- The courageous act of Moses’ mother to protect him by placing him in a basket on the river Nile showcases a mother’s selfless love and willingness to make sacrifices for the safety and well-being of her child.
Conclusion
These biblical teachings demonstrate the profound importance of motherhood in nurturing, guiding, and shaping the lives of children with love, faith, wisdom, and compassion. Mothers play a vital role in passing down values, faith, and virtues to future generations, influencing the world through their dedication and selfless love.
Guidance for Mothers in the Bible
Mothers play a crucial role in the lives of their children, shaping their character and guiding them through life’s ups and downs. The Bible offers valuable insight and wisdom for mothers seeking to raise their children in a godly manner.
1. Lead by Example
- Show love and kindness
- Teach them about forgiveness
- Demonstrate humility and grace
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
2. Pray for Your Children
- Pray for their protection
- Pray for their wisdom
- Pray for their salvation
1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray without ceasing,
James 5:16
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
3. Disciple and Teach Them
- Teach them the ways of the Lord
- Share Bible stories and lessons
- Encourage a personal relationship with God
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Proverbs 1:8-9
My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.
4. Show Unconditional Love
- Accept them as they are
- Show grace and forgiveness
- Be patient and understanding
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.
Exemplary Mothers in the Bible
Hannah
Hannah was a woman of faith who fervently prayed for a child and dedicated him to serve the Lord. Her story can be found in 1 Samuel 1:10-11:
1 Samuel 1:10-11
“In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.’
Ruth
Ruth was known for her loyalty, devotion, and love for her mother-in-law, Naomi. She left her homeland to stay with Naomi and eventually married Boaz, becoming a part of the lineage of King David and Jesus. Her story is found in the Book of Ruth:
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world. She displayed humility, obedience, and faith throughout her life. Her story is found in the Gospels, particularly in the accounts of Jesus’ birth, ministry, and crucifixion:
Luke 1:38
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.
Jochebed
Jochebed was the mother of Moses, who bravely saved his life by hiding him in a basket and placing him in the Nile River. Her faith in God’s protection and guidance led to Moses becoming a great leader of Israel. Her story can be found in Exodus:
Exodus 2:2-3
“The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist and played a significant role in preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry. Despite her old age, she believed in God’s promise of a son and supported her husband, Zechariah. Her story is found in the Gospel of Luke:
Luke 1:13-15
“But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.’
In conclusion, the Bible offers a beautiful and powerful depiction of the qualities of a good mother. From their unwavering faith and strength to their love and sacrifices, mothers play a vital role in shaping the lives of their children. As we reflect on these timeless teachings, may we all strive to embody the virtues of a good mother in our own lives, and continue to honor and cherish the incredible women who have shaped our world. Remember, in the eyes of God, a good mother is a true blessing to be treasured and celebrated.