The role of the mother

What makes a good mother and when are you a bad mother? Are you already a bad mother if you take your eyes off your child for two minutes because you have to make an urgent phone call? Or if you're late picking them up from nursery or school because there's been an emergency at work? Countless mothers know the daily juggling between the needs of their children, the demands of their job, the wishes of their partner and their own needs.

The Bible paints a picture of a “capable woman” who is strong, clever and tireless. Her children stand up and praise her happily (cf. Proverbs 31:28). This ideal may seem unattainable, but it shows how valuable and influential mothers are in God's eyes. Their service to the family has lasting significance. Biblical figures such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, or Hannah, who dedicates her son Samuel to the temple service, show how mothers play decisive roles in the spiritual shaping of their children.

Nowadays, the role of mother is often caught between traditional and new expectations. Movements such as the “Tradwife” movement on TikTok show that some women consciously choose the classic role of housewife and mother. Others seek a balance between career, family and personal dreams. However, the Bible emphasizes that the value of a mother does not depend on external roles, but on her inner attitude and her trust in God. Women are therefore free to decide what kind of mother they want to be: Full-time mother and housewife, or if they want to advance professionally or everything in between.

One of the central tasks of mothers is the spiritual upbringing of their children. For example, Paul praises the faith of Timothy, who first dwelt with his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5). These women passed on the faith to the next generation through their devotion and example. Mothers are like gardeners who sow seeds of love, hope and faith - seeds that can grow and bear fruit with God's help.

Prayer is a mother's greatest wild card. It connects her worries and hopes with God's unlimited power. In prayer, mothers can entrust their children to God, even if they don't have all the answers or solutions. It is a source of strength that never runs dry.

Next Step: What values are important to you and how do you teach them to your child? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you strategies on how you can teach and exemplify godly values to your child.