Question: what makes a Christian mother distinctive from other mothers? Answer: salt.
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Luke 5:13). A Christian mother isn't necessarily better than other mothers; but rather she has special seasoning due to the presence of the Holy Spirit. The believing mother has a wealth of resources available to train, discipline, and love her children in the grace of God. Does your presence as a mother bring a delightful taste to those around you?
The following 12 qualities are just a tip of the virtues provided by God through Jesus Christ to equip and encourage mothers:
Quality #1) Possesses a Keen Sense of Discernment
“The discerning heart seeks knowledge” (Proverbs 15:14).
A good Christian mother stays intimately connected with God so that she will keep a discerning heart. She’s willing to grow in knowledge through the reading of God’s word and absorbing truth from mature godly mothers. God grants her discernment in the lives of her children so that they may be specifically well-trained in righteousness.
Quality #2) Persists in Prayer at all Times
“…they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1).
A believing mom never gives up on her children especially her prodigal(s). People will write off a difficult, rebellious child—but not a praying mother. She will plead the grace and mercy of God over their lives as long as there’s breath in her body. This mother is compelled and encouraged by the Holy Spirit to keeping praying no matter what.
Quality #3) Demonstrates Unconditional Love
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).
A mother who loves God with all her heart isn’t afraid to unconditionally love her children. She recognizes that her patience will be tried by disobedience, but it will never cause her love to regress in anger. Her love spurs confidence in her offspring since they never worry about loss of love due to bad behavior.
Quality #4) Cultivates a Joyful Environment
“In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11, NKJV).
Those who enter into the home of a godly mother sense the presence of joy. Her deep rooted joy sustains her through the difficulties of living in an ungodly world. She has mastered the ability to encourage her children toward joy in every situation.
Quality #5) Exhibits Steadfastness in the Word of God
“All who follow His precepts have good understanding” (Psalm 111:10).
She meditates on the Holy Scriptures regularly …The Christian mother actively engages the Word of God for every problem in the home. She meditates on the Holy Scriptures regularly as well as speaking and teaching them to her children. Her family witnesses her diligence and learns from her example to apply God’s teachings to their everyday lives.
Quality #6) Forgives the Offenses of Others Willingly
“If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven” (John 20:23).
Offenses will come from within and outside of her home, yet the godly mother won’t hold forgiveness hostage until she feels better. Rather she chooses to forgive immediately and trusts the Holy Spirit to heal her hurts. Her family recognizes this principle in her and practices forgiving others as a way of life.
Quality #7) Embraces a Spirit of Contentment
“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
A godly mother resists the urge be discontented with her surroundings, children, or husband. She recognizes that the chasing of worldliness and riches will never bring her peace. Instead she trusts in the Lord to provide all her needs and grant her desires according to His will.
Quality #8) Trusts in God
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10). Her trust in God is most evident during the difficult seasons of her life. The Christian mother is tempted like other believers to doubt the Lord’s hand over her life; yet she remains steadfast in His ability to take care of her and her family’s needs. She establishes a trust relationship with God that grows every day.
Quality #9) Keeps the Faith
“A faithful person will be richly blessed” (Proverbs 28:20).
Her faith will most certainly be tested in her roles of wife and mother. A godly mother will accept the trying of her faith so she can grow in perseverance. She demonstrates her faithfulness as she continues to mature in her relationship with God and others.
Quality #10) Brings Order to Chaos
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27).
The Christian mother is marked for her diligence and resistance to laziness or slothfulness. Her chief concern isn’t the perfect home, but rather a healthy home full of love, laughter, and order. She keeps her home free not only from physical clutter but watches for the spiritual and emotional clutter of worldliness.
Quality #11) Holds to what is Right
“The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43).
As a godly mother she makes the tough decisions that run against the torrent of societal corruption of children and youth. She sticks to what is right in the eyes of God for her children’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. A Christian mother expects resistance and refuses to comprise righteousness for acceptance.
Quality #12) Willing to Release her Children to God
“Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5, NKJV).
While the Christian mother holds her children tightly around her heart, she releases them to grow in Christ at their own pace. She’s entrusted her prayers to God to protect and lead them in the direction of His will. Her influence and persuasion centers around the Lord’s will more than her personal preference for their future.
There is no such thing as the perfect mother, but the Christian mother continues to be perfected by the grace of God. She is invaluable to the kingdom of Christ due to her influence on the next generation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, every godly mother is flavorful blessing to her children and children’s children.
by Cystal Mcdowell
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