Being a good mother
- Thread starter Mngoiver
- Start date
We join you in this desire to honor the Lord in motherhood and to help another mother do the same, and we bring both needs before our Father together in Jesus name.
We hear your heart for being a good mother. The world often defines a good mother by outward success or by meeting every need perfectly, but Scripture shows us that a good mother is one who loves the Lord first and faithfully stewards the children He has entrusted to her. Children are a heritage of Yahweh, the fruit of the womb is his reward Ps 127:3, and that reminds us that motherhood is not a burden but a holy calling. We are called to train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it Prov 22:6, and to teach diligently as we sit in our house and walk by the way and when we lie down and when we rise up Deut 6:6-7. This is not done through harshness or provoking our children to wrath, but by nurturing them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord Eph 6:4. The portrait of a godly woman in Scripture is one who opens her mouth with wisdom, the law of kindness is on her tongue, she looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness, and her children rise up and call her blessed Prov 31:26-28. A good mother is sober minded, kind, loving toward her children and, according to God's design, loving toward her husband within the lifelong covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, that God's word may not be blasphemed Titus 2:4-5. We cannot be that woman in our own strength, we need daily grace, patience, repentance when we fail, and time in the Word and in prayer.
We also hear your burden to help a mother who is not mothering well. We want to gently correct where correction is needed. If a mother is neglectful, harsh, angry, absent, or living in a way that does not align with biblical principles, including fornication or adultery or any relationship outside of God's design for marriage, or if she is modeling immorality or selfishness before her children, that is sin and it harms both her and her children and it needs to be repented of and turned from. At the same time we are not called to condemn her or gossip about her, but to restore in a spirit of gentleness. Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also are not tempted Gal 6:1. The Lord calls older women to train the younger women to love their husbands and to love their children Titus 2:4-5, so helping looks like coming alongside with humility, prayer, practical help, and truth spoken in love, not with a critical spirit. We can offer to pray with her, to share Scripture, to help with the children, to model patience, and to encourage her to seek the Lord for herself, while also protecting the children if there is abuse or serious neglect by involving appropriate help.
We notice your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to lovingly remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and can be saved. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6. There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. To be a good mother we first need a new heart that only Christ can give, and to help another mother we must point her to Christ, not just to better methods. We encourage you and the other mother to confess your sins, believe that Jesus died and rose again for you, and trust Him as Lord and Savior.
We pray together for you now. Father in heaven, we come before you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We thank you for the gift of children and for the calling of motherhood. We ask you to fill our sister who desires to be a good mother with your wisdom, patience, kindness, and strength. Help her to walk in your ways, to speak with wisdom and kindness, to discipline in love and not in anger, and to teach her children diligently about your truth. Forgive her where she has fallen short and renew her each morning with your mercy. We also lift up the mother who is struggling and not mothering well. Lord, have mercy on her, open her eyes to see where she needs to repent, draw her to yourself through Jesus, and give her a desire to love and nurture her children according to your Word. Give our sister grace and discernment to help her with gentleness and truth, without pride or judgment, and give her words that bring life. Protect the children involved and let them be raised in the nurture and instruction of the Lord. We ask that both homes would be centered on Christ and that any relationships would be brought into alignment with your design for marriage and family. We trust you to work in both mothers for your glory. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
We encourage you to continue in prayer, to stay in the Word daily, to seek fellowship with godly older women who can mentor you, and to keep offering help to the other mother with steady love and clear biblical truth, remembering that God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in those who trust Him.
We hear your heart for being a good mother. The world often defines a good mother by outward success or by meeting every need perfectly, but Scripture shows us that a good mother is one who loves the Lord first and faithfully stewards the children He has entrusted to her. Children are a heritage of Yahweh, the fruit of the womb is his reward Ps 127:3, and that reminds us that motherhood is not a burden but a holy calling. We are called to train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it Prov 22:6, and to teach diligently as we sit in our house and walk by the way and when we lie down and when we rise up Deut 6:6-7. This is not done through harshness or provoking our children to wrath, but by nurturing them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord Eph 6:4. The portrait of a godly woman in Scripture is one who opens her mouth with wisdom, the law of kindness is on her tongue, she looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness, and her children rise up and call her blessed Prov 31:26-28. A good mother is sober minded, kind, loving toward her children and, according to God's design, loving toward her husband within the lifelong covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, that God's word may not be blasphemed Titus 2:4-5. We cannot be that woman in our own strength, we need daily grace, patience, repentance when we fail, and time in the Word and in prayer.
We also hear your burden to help a mother who is not mothering well. We want to gently correct where correction is needed. If a mother is neglectful, harsh, angry, absent, or living in a way that does not align with biblical principles, including fornication or adultery or any relationship outside of God's design for marriage, or if she is modeling immorality or selfishness before her children, that is sin and it harms both her and her children and it needs to be repented of and turned from. At the same time we are not called to condemn her or gossip about her, but to restore in a spirit of gentleness. Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also are not tempted Gal 6:1. The Lord calls older women to train the younger women to love their husbands and to love their children Titus 2:4-5, so helping looks like coming alongside with humility, prayer, practical help, and truth spoken in love, not with a critical spirit. We can offer to pray with her, to share Scripture, to help with the children, to model patience, and to encourage her to seek the Lord for herself, while also protecting the children if there is abuse or serious neglect by involving appropriate help.
We notice your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to lovingly remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and can be saved. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6. There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. To be a good mother we first need a new heart that only Christ can give, and to help another mother we must point her to Christ, not just to better methods. We encourage you and the other mother to confess your sins, believe that Jesus died and rose again for you, and trust Him as Lord and Savior.
We pray together for you now. Father in heaven, we come before you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We thank you for the gift of children and for the calling of motherhood. We ask you to fill our sister who desires to be a good mother with your wisdom, patience, kindness, and strength. Help her to walk in your ways, to speak with wisdom and kindness, to discipline in love and not in anger, and to teach her children diligently about your truth. Forgive her where she has fallen short and renew her each morning with your mercy. We also lift up the mother who is struggling and not mothering well. Lord, have mercy on her, open her eyes to see where she needs to repent, draw her to yourself through Jesus, and give her a desire to love and nurture her children according to your Word. Give our sister grace and discernment to help her with gentleness and truth, without pride or judgment, and give her words that bring life. Protect the children involved and let them be raised in the nurture and instruction of the Lord. We ask that both homes would be centered on Christ and that any relationships would be brought into alignment with your design for marriage and family. We trust you to work in both mothers for your glory. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
We encourage you to continue in prayer, to stay in the Word daily, to seek fellowship with godly older women who can mentor you, and to keep offering help to the other mother with steady love and clear biblical truth, remembering that God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in those who trust Him.
We appreciate you sharing this so openly. Wanting to grow as a mother yourself and also come alongside another mom who is struggling shows a tender, caring heart for children and for her.
That label "bad mother" can feel so heavy, whether you have put it on yourself or someone else has. In real life, being a good mother is not about being perfect. It is about steady, everyday love, bonding, guiding, protecting, listening and responding with sensitivity, and being willing to keep learning. No one does all of that perfectly, and growth usually happens in small steps.
One simple way forward that often helps is to narrow the focus. For yourself, choose one area you most want to strengthen this week, maybe staying calm during the morning rush or pausing to listen before correcting, and ask one trusted woman in your life, a mentor, a pastor's wife, or an experienced mom at church, to check in and pray with you. For the other mother, the most helpful start is often friendship before advice. Invite her for a walk or coffee, listen to her story without trying to fix it, and if she is open, share one practical idea that has helped you and let her decide what fits her family. If either of you feels overwhelmed often, meeting together with a counselor or a parenting support group at church can bring steady encouragement.
Father, we lift these mothers and their children to you. Give them wisdom for each day, patience when they are tired, and grace when they fall short. Help them know they are loved and not alone, and guide them as they seek to love their children well. In Jesus' name, amen.
That label "bad mother" can feel so heavy, whether you have put it on yourself or someone else has. In real life, being a good mother is not about being perfect. It is about steady, everyday love, bonding, guiding, protecting, listening and responding with sensitivity, and being willing to keep learning. No one does all of that perfectly, and growth usually happens in small steps.
One simple way forward that often helps is to narrow the focus. For yourself, choose one area you most want to strengthen this week, maybe staying calm during the morning rush or pausing to listen before correcting, and ask one trusted woman in your life, a mentor, a pastor's wife, or an experienced mom at church, to check in and pray with you. For the other mother, the most helpful start is often friendship before advice. Invite her for a walk or coffee, listen to her story without trying to fix it, and if she is open, share one practical idea that has helped you and let her decide what fits her family. If either of you feels overwhelmed often, meeting together with a counselor or a parenting support group at church can bring steady encouragement.
Father, we lift these mothers and their children to you. Give them wisdom for each day, patience when they are tired, and grace when they fall short. Help them know they are loved and not alone, and guide them as they seek to love their children well. In Jesus' name, amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your longing to be a good mother and to help another mother who has stumbled is a gracious desire, and we have brought it before the Lord with thankfulness. The desire to walk in sincerity before God and before your children, and to see another life turned toward faithfulness, is itself a mark of His work in you.
We are reminded that our Lord is a God of restoration. As Peter fell and yet was not left in his fall, but was met by the look of the Lord and by the prayer which Christ had offered for him, so the Lord still looks upon those who have wandered and brings them to repentance. That look severed Peter from the crowd and led him to go out and weep, and the same grace can lead a mother who feels herself cast off to turn again to Christ. There is no sin or failure so deep that His intercession cannot lift the fallen one, and when He restores, He does so that the restored one may then strengthen others. Your own growth in grace will become a means of strengthening your brethren, and your gentle help to another mother may be the very instrument the Lord uses.
Scripture teaches that children learn much from the home in which they dwell, and that a godly example hedges a household with prayer and blessing. The best path any of us can mark out is to follow the road in which godly principles would conduct us, to forsake not the God of our fathers, and to walk in faith and obedience before our families. To be a good mother, then, is first to keep close to Christ yourself, to live in honest faith, to pray, to open His Word, and to let your life show the peace and rest that are found in Him alone through Jesus Christ. From that fountain a mother’s patience, correction, tenderness and instruction will flow. And to help another mother, the most powerful help is to come alongside her with humility, remembering that we ourselves need the same grace, to pray for her as Christ prayed for Peter, to speak to her of the joy of return, and to say with love, do not wander, there is no profit away from Jesus, come back to Him.
We pray for you and for the mother you seek to help. May the Lord give you wisdom and a sincere heart, that you may live before your children as one who delights in the Lord and looks to Him for strength each day. May He grant to the other mother a true sight of Christ, a godly sorrow that leads to life, and abundant assurance of His mercy to restore. May He make both homes places where His Word is loved and obeyed, and where the next generation is led in the way of truth. May He keep you from discouragement, and make you a faithful hedge of prayer around those entrusted to your care, for His glory.
We are reminded that our Lord is a God of restoration. As Peter fell and yet was not left in his fall, but was met by the look of the Lord and by the prayer which Christ had offered for him, so the Lord still looks upon those who have wandered and brings them to repentance. That look severed Peter from the crowd and led him to go out and weep, and the same grace can lead a mother who feels herself cast off to turn again to Christ. There is no sin or failure so deep that His intercession cannot lift the fallen one, and when He restores, He does so that the restored one may then strengthen others. Your own growth in grace will become a means of strengthening your brethren, and your gentle help to another mother may be the very instrument the Lord uses.
Scripture teaches that children learn much from the home in which they dwell, and that a godly example hedges a household with prayer and blessing. The best path any of us can mark out is to follow the road in which godly principles would conduct us, to forsake not the God of our fathers, and to walk in faith and obedience before our families. To be a good mother, then, is first to keep close to Christ yourself, to live in honest faith, to pray, to open His Word, and to let your life show the peace and rest that are found in Him alone through Jesus Christ. From that fountain a mother’s patience, correction, tenderness and instruction will flow. And to help another mother, the most powerful help is to come alongside her with humility, remembering that we ourselves need the same grace, to pray for her as Christ prayed for Peter, to speak to her of the joy of return, and to say with love, do not wander, there is no profit away from Jesus, come back to Him.
We pray for you and for the mother you seek to help. May the Lord give you wisdom and a sincere heart, that you may live before your children as one who delights in the Lord and looks to Him for strength each day. May He grant to the other mother a true sight of Christ, a godly sorrow that leads to life, and abundant assurance of His mercy to restore. May He make both homes places where His Word is loved and obeyed, and where the next generation is led in the way of truth. May He keep you from discouragement, and make you a faithful hedge of prayer around those entrusted to your care, for His glory.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
I prayed for this in Jesus Name.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your desire to be a good mother and to help another mother grow in that same calling is itself a grace from God, and it is right to bring it before Him in prayer.
God Himself has planted in nature a deep mercy and pity of parents for children, and especially of mothers for their children. This natural love is a gift, but to be a good mother according to Christ requires more than nature alone. It requires daily faith in Jesus Christ, through whom alone we are forgiven and made righteous, and daily dependence on Him in prayer. The Scriptures teach that we are made right not by our own efforts but by faith in Christ who died for our sins and rose again, and it is His strength that enables us to love as we ought.
To be a good mother, therefore, keep close to the Lord in prayer and in His Word. Give careful heed to prayer and persevere even when you do not see an immediate answer, for God often delays His answer not to deny us but to draw us closer, as affectionate parents draw a wandering child back to their arms. Seek moderation and faithfulness in daily life, not perfection in your own power, but a steady love, patience, and mercy. A child who does not listen at first is not helped by harshness alone, but by steady correction joined with kindness, as a teacher or nurse who seeks the child's good.
In helping another mother who has done poorly, do not approach her with shaming, but with the same mercy you desire from God. Speak the truth gently, show her by your own example what patient love looks like, and point her to Christ who alone can renew the heart. Remind her that God can make what is broken whole, and that He gives grace to begin again. Encourage her in the practical things, to be present, to be consistent, to pray for her children, and to seek wisdom from faithful women and from the Scriptures.
I pray for you and for the mother you want to help, that God would grant you both a deeper faith in Jesus Christ, a persevering spirit in prayer, and a growing measure of that natural and spiritual love that seeks the good of your children. May He give you wisdom, patience, and strength each day, forgive your sins through Christ, and help you to raise your children in the nurture and instruction of the Lord, for His glory.
God Himself has planted in nature a deep mercy and pity of parents for children, and especially of mothers for their children. This natural love is a gift, but to be a good mother according to Christ requires more than nature alone. It requires daily faith in Jesus Christ, through whom alone we are forgiven and made righteous, and daily dependence on Him in prayer. The Scriptures teach that we are made right not by our own efforts but by faith in Christ who died for our sins and rose again, and it is His strength that enables us to love as we ought.
To be a good mother, therefore, keep close to the Lord in prayer and in His Word. Give careful heed to prayer and persevere even when you do not see an immediate answer, for God often delays His answer not to deny us but to draw us closer, as affectionate parents draw a wandering child back to their arms. Seek moderation and faithfulness in daily life, not perfection in your own power, but a steady love, patience, and mercy. A child who does not listen at first is not helped by harshness alone, but by steady correction joined with kindness, as a teacher or nurse who seeks the child's good.
In helping another mother who has done poorly, do not approach her with shaming, but with the same mercy you desire from God. Speak the truth gently, show her by your own example what patient love looks like, and point her to Christ who alone can renew the heart. Remind her that God can make what is broken whole, and that He gives grace to begin again. Encourage her in the practical things, to be present, to be consistent, to pray for her children, and to seek wisdom from faithful women and from the Scriptures.
I pray for you and for the mother you want to help, that God would grant you both a deeper faith in Jesus Christ, a persevering spirit in prayer, and a growing measure of that natural and spiritual love that seeks the good of your children. May He give you wisdom, patience, and strength each day, forgive your sins through Christ, and help you to raise your children in the nurture and instruction of the Lord, for His glory.
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