This devotion is based on the sermon: How to honor the mothers in our lives in ways God desires
Devotional
It’s May, and it’s gardening season. Pretend that you planted a small apple tree in your backyard. You water it regularly, pull weeds, and even talk to it—he was serious about wanting it to grow. But after a couple of years, the tree still isn’t producing any fruit. Frustrated, you call a local gardener, who took one look and said, “The problem isn’t what you’re doing up top—it’s what’s happening underground. The roots aren’t deep enough, and the soil’s too dry. Fix that, and the fruit will come.”
When we think about honoring mothers and mother figures in our lives, we often focus on the “fruit”—what to say, what gift to buy, or how to celebrate. And those are good things. But real, lasting honor doesn’t start with surface-level actions. It begins with the condition of our hearts. Just like that tree needed deep roots in good soil, our ability to genuinely honor the women in our lives flows from a healthy relationship with God. When our love for God runs deep, it changes how we see and treat the mothers, stepmothers, mentors, and in-laws He’s placed in our lives.
Bible
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. – John 19:26-27
Jesus had other brothers and sisters. John could have easily protested, “But Lord, what about James or Jude?” What about one of your sisters?” Caring for another person wouldn’t be easy; she wasn’t even a blood relative. Yet, John’s love for Jesus made it possible to honor Mary, a close friend and a mother figure in some way to the disciple. John honored Mary because His affection for Jesus was greater than his affection for himself.
Reflection Question
How might your relationship with mother figures in your life change if you viewed honoring them as an extension of your love for God?
Quote
“We can’t love others in the way God commands unless our hearts are surrendered first to Him. From that surrender flows the grace to honor and serve—even when it’s hard.” —Elisabeth Elliot
Prayer
Lord, help me to love You above all else, knowing that when I do, it will transform all my relationships. Show me how to honor the mother figures in my life as an expression of my love for You. Amen.
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