But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe… 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers. This article is my feeble attempt to honor you on this day and to encourage the rest of us to appreciate you more every day (Romans 12:7; Exodus 20:12). No matter how thankful we may already be for you, you are worthy of deeper appreciation. Though my words will fall well short of the honor you are due, I hope to encourage you as you continue your tremendously important work. I recognize the passage above is not about mothers per se, but Paul’s use of the image of a nursing mother expresses elements of what makes mothers so precious. When combined with other uses of the mother imagery in Scripture, your true value is portrayed in vivid colors, leaving all of us with no choice but to honor you properly.
In this passage, Paul expressed at least ten characteristics of godly mothers that are worthy of note. First, mothers are gentle. When children are hurt, who do they typically cry out to for comfort? Even hardened soldiers dying on a battlefield most often call for their mothers. Second, mothers are nourishing. The word translated “nursing mother” literally means a nourisher, one who provides the things necessary for growth, health, and a generally good condition. Third, mothers cherish their children. This word literally means to impart warmth, whether physically or emotionally. Fourth, mothers long affectionately for their children. No doubt this is part of why children reach for their mothers in times of need because they know an affectionate welcome awaits. Fifth, mothers do not stop at giving their children what they need, they give their very lives to the care of their children. This is so because, sixth, mothers hold their children as dear to themselves. Seventh, mothers labor and toil night and day caring for the children. Sadly, I did not understand this fully when I was growing up, so I failed to honor my mother to the degree I should have. Watching my dear wife work nonstop for our children day in and day out has cured me of such ignorance. Eighth, ninth, and tenth, godly mothers seek to live devout, just, and blameless lives before their children. Truly this godly example is the greatest gift a mother can give.
What a beautiful image of mothers in this passage, but the Scriptures have so much more to say. In Judges 5:6-7, we see the wisdom of a mother in the character of Deborah. The situation in Israel was grim at the time as the leadership was weak. That is until Deborah arose “…a mother in Israel.” So wise was Deborah that Barak refused to go to battle unless she went with him (Judges 4:4-10; cf. Proverbs 1:8-9). In 2 Timothy 2:4-5, Paul gave thanks for Timothy’s faith, which was instilled in him by his faithful mother and grandmother. Of course, the greatest tribute to a faithful mother is Proverbs 31:10-31, so you may be better served to dwell there for a bit.
Dear Mommas, my opinion is of little value in the grand scheme of things. The only one that truly matters is that of our great God. This little article simply seeks to highlight His lofty view of your value in this world, so that you may take comfort in it and we can treat you in a way that is befitting such precious souls as you are. We love you. We thank you. We rise up and call you blessed (Proverbs 31:28).