Motherhood in the Ancient FaithSample

The Sacrifices of Motherhood

Motherhood is a sacrificial journey that requires physical, emotional, and spiritual sacrifices. As mothers, we often put the needs of our children before our own, and we willingly make sacrifices for their wellbeing. However, these sacrifices are not in vain and reflect God's sacrificial love for us.

As we reflect on the sacrifices of motherhood, we can turn to the life of Jesus as our example. Philippians 2:5-8 says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Jesus gave of Himself sacrificially for us, and in doing so, He showed us the depth of God's love.

The Bible tells us, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). As mothers, we lay down our lives for our children every day, and this is a powerful demonstration of love. Our sacrifices are not always easy but can lead to spiritual growth and maturity.

In the same way, as mothers, we can show our love for our children through sacrificial giving. 1 John 3:16 says, "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." We can lay down our lives for our children by putting their needs before our own, sacrificing our time and energy to care for them, and modeling selflessness and compassion.

The Early Church Fathers recognized the importance of sacrifice in the Christian faith. In his Epistle to the Philippians, Polycarp writes, "For whosoever does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, he is antichrist; and whosoever does not confess the testimony of the cross, is of the devil; and whosoever perverts the oracles of the Lord to his own lusts, and says that there is neither a resurrection nor a judgment, he is the first-born of Satan." Polycarp emphasizes the importance of confessing the testimony of the cross, which is a sacrificial act of love - as mothers, we continually confess in word and deed the testimony of the cross by the love we exhibit for our children.

As we reflect on the sacrifices of motherhood, let us reflect on the sacrifices you have made as a mother and the sacrifices of the mothers around you. Remember that these sacrifices are not in vain but lead to spiritual growth and maturity. Through the sacrifices of motherhood, we can grow and mature spiritually. We can learn to trust in God's provision and care, and we can deepen our understanding of the sacrificial love of Jesus.