The amount of tasks in motherhood is overwhelming! There are so many things to keep track of that sometimes we lose track of what we’re actually supposed to be doing as Christian mothers. The Bible speaks highly of mothers and their importance not just in the family but also in society. Let’s see what the Bible says about Mothers.
Mothers are important
As mothers, we have an important job in teaching and training our children. The most important thing we can teach our children is about God, and this is not just a one-day-a-week teaching. This is an all-day everyday kind of teaching.
How do we know mothers are important? There are several Bible verses about mothers or parents. In fact, the Scriptures tell children to honor and obey their parents. One of the Ten Commandments even talks about this. Exodus 20:12 says, “‘Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.'” This lets us know that parents are important in the lives of children.
Role of Mothers in the Bible
What is the role of mothers according to the Bible? By reading the following Bible verses about mothers, you will be able to see many of these roles. Let’s see what the Bible has to say about mothers.
Mothers teach their children
It’s amazing how God designed the family! As mothers, we teach our children everything from life skills to how to treat others, to what God is like. It’s a huge responsibility, but God has given us the help we need in the Bible.
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV
Mothers comfort their children
Comforting children is a big part of the motherhood job description. In fact, when people think of those in the comforting role, they will usually think of mothers. Children get hurt physically and even emotionally at times, and we are the ones who are there for them.
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13
Mothers bear children
Mothers are nurturing their babies even before they they are born. We begin to connect and bond with them in the months leading up to their birth. We dream of them, and also try to take care of our bodies so they will have the best possible start to life.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13
Mothers pass down their faith
These next verses show how faith is passed down from one generation to the next and why the teaching of our children is so important. We need to be proclaiming of the amazing deeds of the Lord to our children throughout the days. Modeling our faith is huge for passing it down to the next generation.
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” 2 Timothy 1:5
What does the Bible say about the role of a mother? To learn more about being a godly mother, check out these 10 characteristics of a good mother according to the Bible.
Mothers mentor other moms
The Bible also says that another role of mothers, especially older mothers, is teaching the younger mothers. We can give godly wisdom and advice from the Bible and from our own experiences. Some moms never had a godly role model growing up and need someone in their life.
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled” Titus 2:3-5
Mothers train their children
Mothers do a lot of training in the lives of their children. In general, the mother is the one who spends the most time with their children, so that only makes sense. There are many different aspects of training that need to be covered as we raise their children.
Remember also that each of our children are unique and need to be parented differently. Help your child discover his/her gifts and talents. Encourage them to be who God creates them to be. Below is a great Bible verse to remind us of that as parents.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Mothers teach obedience and honor
The next verses are written to children, but when they are young, you are the one in charge of teaching them the importance of obedience and honor. Besides, these verses are tell you that God values obedience and honor in our children.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’” Ephesians 6:1-3
Mothers are to be godly wives
Just because you’re a mother, doesn’t mean you aren’t still a wife. In fact, you only have children because of your husband, so our marriage comes next after our relationship with God. We will be a much better mother to our children if we are an excellent wife first.
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” Proverbs 31:10-12
Mothers care for their household
The Bible also tells us that mothers work hard and take care of their household. I know the laundry and cleaning can be mundane, but they are part of taking care of your home. Your family has what they need. They are fed and clothed and bathed. I would also say that encouraging an atmosphere of peace and joy are other ways that we care for our household.
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27
How is a mother’s love like God’s love?
God’s love for us is more than we can even imagine. In Isaiah 49:15 God says, “‘Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.'” Later in chapter 66 of Isaiah, which we saw above, God says that He will comfort us as a mother comforts her child. A mother’s love is strong, but God’s love for you is even stronger.
Biblical Motherhood
Mothers are instructed to take on a primary role in the spiritual formation of their children. It is clear that the Bible places a great value on the role of mothers. Biblical motherhood is something we should all strive for.
I’m so thankful that we have these roles of motherhood laid out for us in the Bible. I’m even more thankful that there is forgiveness when we fail . . . which we will. The great news is that we can repent and continue to move forward in what God has for us as mothers.
Did you realize how important your job is as a Christian mom? What role of mothers in the Bible stands out to you the most and why? I’d love to hear your comments!
You may also like:
- 10 Characteristics of a Good Mother in the Bible
- 31 Inspiring Bible Verses for Mothers
- 34 Inspiring Biblical Affirmations for Moms
