HOW TO LOVE YOUR MOTHER

HOW TO LOVE YOUR MOTHER

By Pastor Mark Taylor

Mother’s Day - 2014

“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"  and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”  (John 19: 26-27)

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.”

1.  Love her verbally.  A woman needs to hear those words, “I Love You!”  Some men would say, I’m just not turned that way…then turn around! “I’m just not comfortable”…then be uncomfortable!  Everyone wants to feel loved and hear those words.  Our Lord Jesus said:  “Whatsoever you would that others should do for you, you do unto them, for this is the law and the prophets.”  (Matthew 7:12).

2. Love her physically.  When’s the last time you gave her a big hug without her asking for it…or a kiss on the cheek, or a neck rub, or just sat on the couch and held her for a change?

She’s the first person who ever touched you…she wrapped you up in her womb for months, and you came out and first priority was to hold you.  She changed your diapers, potty trained you, and held the Kleenex for you to blow your nose! She wiped food off of your face years longer than she should have had to! 

She constantly touched you! And she may have to hand you off to another, and her life may endure some heavy changes, but she deserves your touch and should never have to give that up completely!

Our Lord physically touched others to bring them healing and love.  “And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.” (Matthew 17:7).

1. Love her patiently.

Mom's 'Salary' In 2013 Is $59,862 For 90-Hour Work Week, According To Insure.com

Mothers have an incredible job w/ no pay. No position in the business world compares to the physical, emotional, and spiritual commitment she has in motherhood.  No Occupation.  Love her patiently. Because she’s tender to your needs is no reason to take advantage of her, it’s reason to be patient and to love her all the more!

God’s Word tells us to be patient.  “Now we encourage you brothers and sisters, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all people.” 

 (I Thessalonians 5:14).  Our mother’s deserve an extra measure of patience from us.

4. Love her attentively.

Mothers listened as you poured out your hear to her when you needed a mother’s ear.  She has had a sympathetic ear, and even as an adult you’ve gone to her when you needed someone who wiould really listen and understand…and have the confidence she’ll always be on your side if you are right, and sometimes even if your wrong.

“Listen to your father..and do not despise (To regard as unworthy of one's interest or concern) your mother when she is old.”  (Proverbs 23:22)

1. Love her gratefully.  She needs a sincere thank you, and not just today, but from a genuinely thankful heart when least expected!

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Take some time today to give your Mother thanks.

6.  Love her generously.

There’s nothing too good for her, we could never repay her, but we ought to die trying before she does! She didn’t spend on herself unless all your needs were met…she could easily do without, and now it’s time for her to have something she wants!

She clears her schedule so she can run you around…she gives up opportunities so you can have more opportunities!

“So let each one give as they purpose in their heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”  (2 Corinthians 9:7).  This is not just speaking about money.

1. Love her honorably.

If anyone you have ever met deserves Honor, it is your Mother.

“Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God has given you.”   (Exodus 20:12) 

Lord, help us never to be too busy for mom…if you could take time and great effort for your Mother on the cross in your death, help us to love our Mothers while we have her in our life!  For those of us whose Mothers are in Heaven, show us how to love women who need a “Mother’s Love”.