I had been thinking a lot about what the Bible says about days like Mother's Day. It doesn't specifically address it. But what does it really mean? Mother's Day. Where did it stem from? What are some of the roots of this day that we can still value but through a biblical lens?
I did a little research on the internet and this is what I found:
"Mother’s Day, in honor of mothers that is celebrated in countries throughout the world. In its modern form the holiday originated in the U.S., where it is observed on the second Sunday in May. Many other countries also celebrate the holiday on this date, while some mark the observance at other times of the year.
During the Middle Ages the custom developed of allowing those who had moved away to visit their home parishes and their mothers on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This became Mothering Sunday in Britain, where it continued into modern times, although it has largely been replaced by Mother’s Day.
Anna Jarvis, whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health, originated Mother’s Day. In 1907, she held a memorial service at her late mother’s church in West Virginia. Within five years virtually every state was observing the day, and in 1914 U.S. President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday.
Although Jarvis had promoted the wearing of a white carnation as a tribute to one’s mother, the custom developed of wearing a red or pink carnation to represent a living mother or a white carnation for a mother who was deceased.
Over time the day was expanded to include others, such as grandmothers and aunts, who played mothering roles. What had originally been primarily a day of honor became associated with the sending of cards and the giving of gifts..."
Love.
Honor.
Service.
Sacrifice.
These are just some of the words that come to mind when I think of why we celebrate Mother's Day.
No matter the type of mother we're referring to here, biological, foster, adoptive, one who is grieving, spiritual, one who has suffered loss, single, divorced, or widowed, I've seen these traits exemplified in many a woman; many a mother.
**The Scriptures below have overarching principles for us all (not just mothers) to learn from but they also are meant to be read in their proper contexts. I'll share what those contexts are for each passage.
1. Love
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
Context: 1 Corinthians 13 is about how we're supposed to treat other Christians in the local church. It is sacrificial, selfless, and centered around love; because of Christ in us. (1 Corinthians study by RightNow Media).
2. Honor
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor...Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." (Romans 12:9-10, 17)
Context: Romans 12:9-10, and 17 is about how righteousness is practiced in society. Christian love is about action, selfless sacrificial love (agape). This involves an act where one seeks the best of another. We should focus on what is good in others, not evil. (Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary, 1448, 1449).
3. Service
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord...Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly." (Romans 12:11, 13-16)
Context: Romans 12:11, and 13-16 is still centered around how righteousness is practiced in society. Verse 11 addresses how our service to others should not be half-hearted or lazy, but rather, in earnest and with eagerness. Verses 13-16 are referring to showing love to strangers; hospitality. In this passage it's actually referring to travelers, though all forms of hospitality are included. As we choose to meet the needs of fellow believers, we will have opportunities to serve strangers, and thus be able to share our faith with them. As Christ followers we are to bless others, rejoice with others, weep with others, and keep harmony amongst one another. (Nelson's New Illustrated Commentary, 1448, 1449).
4. Sacrifice
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4)
Context: Philippians 2:1-4 is about the priority of submitting to other people. Paul was trying to correct any misunderstandings that may have come up with some preaching from selfish motives in 1:15, 16. Paul was not condoning selfish ambition but was calling believers for an honest evaluation of one's own nature, that should lead to Christ ultimately being glorified. Everything should be done in the power of the Spirit; deep sense of humility. Honest self-examination leads to true humility, which enables a person to hold others above himself/herself. Value people over personal plans or material possessions. Paul warned his readers to do everything in their power to meet the needs of other people, as well as their own; direct one's attention or to have mental concentration.
(Nelson's New Illustrated Commentary, 1550).
We cannot do any of these things in our own strength. Everything that we do for others comes from a deep-rootedness in Christ; a deep intimate abiding.
When we are close to Christ and walking with Him, we can love, honor, serve and sacrifice for those in our spheres of influence. And we can do all of those things for people outside of our spheres of influence too. What a witness to those who do not know Christ.
"A new command I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)
To those who are single who are loving, honoring, serving and sacrificing. You're seen.
To those who are not single who are loving, honoring, serving and sacrificing. You're seen.
By the King of the Universe.
Who intimately knows and loves you.
Who wants to be in relationship with you.
So you can point others into a relationship with Him.
And to love and serve Him and others all your days.
Mothering means staying close to Christ and letting His work be done in you so you can share that with others.
Happy Mother's Day. Part 2.
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