Whether you are a minister preparing a Mother’s Day message or an individual looking for inspiration, this piece will give you biblical examples of women who will minister to you and set you in the right direction.
Indeed, mothers have a special place in many people’s hearts. The love of a mother that knows no bounds and their dedication to keeping the family going is a special gift any home is privileged to have.
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Little wonder the world is awash with Happy Mother’s Day wishes every second Sunday of May as people celebrate their own mothers.
In a congregational setup, nothing beats a special tribute in the form of a carefully thought-out sermon dedicated to mothers and women that communicates deep appreciation and spurs them on.
Here we go with Mothers’ Day inspiration and sermon idea(s) based on great biblical examples of mothers and women in general.
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Generosity: She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy (vs 20).
Hardworking: She watches over the affairs of her household and does not partake of the bread of idleness (vs 27).
Message
If women are to thrive in their households, they must aspire to these virtues. You can craft a Mothers Day message for the church from this chapter to affirm or challenge women in the congregation, especially married ones.
Moreover, excerpts of the virtue-rich chapter can also be used for Mother’s Day greetings, a Mother’s Day card, or a Mother’s Day gift note.
Luke 1:38, 46-49 | “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her…. And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
Message
God tagged a young Nazarene virgin girl named Mary as the mother of Jesus. Despite this lofty proposition, she humbly accepted it in faith, saying, “May it be unto me as you have said...”
God’s promises over her life came to pass, and she went down history as the mother of God.
Many people feel unnoticed or think they may amount to much based on their circumstances. This text can remind women who might feel alone, discouraged, and forgotten that God sees them.
He can graciously favor them like Mary and choose them to do great exploits. When the time comes, they are to take it with humility, acknowledging God’s favor over their own lives.
1 Samuel 1: 10-11 | In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
Message
Hannah longed to have children, but they weren’t forthcoming. She was barren. Peninah’s taunts made the wait even harder.
Yet year after year, she persisted in passionate prayer, and ultimately, God gave her a first baby, Samuel. She then fulfilled her vows and dedicated him as a little boy to God.
Are you waiting on God for something? Let Hannah’s account inform the correct waiting posture: persistent, passionate prayer.
It might appear impossible or take too long, but don’t give up on God. Continue in prayer. In the fullness of time, God can come through for you like He did for Hannah. And when He does, remember to thank Him.
4. In law relations for Mothers Day message for the church
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Ruth 1:8-9 | Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.” Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”
Ruth 3:1-4 | One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”
Message
Naomi was a virtuous mother-in-law. She left a lasting legacy as a mother-in-law to be emulated by how she treated her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, whom she treated like a second mom.
People talk of a hard day. Naomi’s life was full of difficult circumstances that could paralyze any human being.
First, he lost her husband, Elimelech, and then her two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. Amid grief, she was gracious to release her daughters-in-law. When Ruth stuck with her, she set her up to meet Boaz, whose union produced David, the great king of Israel and, ultimately, Christ Jesus.
Inlaw relations, especially between mothers and daughters-in-law, can be tricky. Thus, wisdom in governing the space is a good Mothers Day message for the church.
How Naomi dealt rightly with her daughters-in-law, always looking out for them, can help mothers-in-law know how to handle the daughters-in-law God brings to the family.
Joshua 2:1 | Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.
Joshua 6:17, 22-23 | The city and all that is in it are to be devotedto the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent.… Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.” So the young men who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel.
Matthew 1:5 | Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,
Message
Rahab was a notable woman in the Old Testament. The Bible notes she was a prostitute. We first meet her in Joshua 2 when she helps the two spies Joshua sent, and this leads to the salvation of her and her family.
Later, we see her in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. A prostitute in Jesus’ genealogy! Call it grace.
The world desperately needs grace. Many people feel condemned and tend to write themselves off. This text can point them to God’s abounding grace and the blessings of appropriating grace.
Saint, you are not beyond redemption. Don’t even let your past hold you back. Bottom line: God can use you despite your history.
Dear pastors, you can use this text in your Mothers Day message to the church to remind any woman who feels too dirty because of sin that they should not write themselves off. God’s unfailing love and grace cover us. God forgives and restores.
Esther 4:14 | For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Message
Mordecai implored Esther to use her position as queen to save her people, Israel, and preserve the next generation.
God places you where you are for such a time as this for a good reason. You are not an accident, and neither are your circumstances. Esther’s account pinpoints this. God positions you for a reason. Learn quickly what it is and find ways to advance it.
On the special occasion of Mother’s Day, let Esther’s story challenge you to use the positions God gives them to advance good.
Genesis 3:20 |Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.
Message
Though she receives a bad rap for her contribution to the fall, Eve is a blessed woman. She is the mother of all creation.
Eve can be used to teach women to relish motherhood and thrive in it. You can use her example to challenge women to be happy about being mothers and blossom in it. Everyone can strive to be a godly mother by being a good example and helping children in their spiritual journey.
A fine child is a crown of motherhood. Motherhood is a timely Mothers Day message for the church.
1 Corinthians 16:19 |The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscillagreet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
Message
Priscilla served the church family closely alongside her husband, Aquilla. Sharing God’s word, especially the message of the cross of Jesus, is a noble course.
God calls us to use our talents to serve His people. Priscilla offered leadership. Other people have different gifts they can exercise for the benefit of God’s people.
This Mother’s Day special message encourages mothers not to let motherhood and household responsibilities hold them back but to be willing to head or serve God’s people alongside their husbands.
9. A call to obey even when it is costly
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Exodus 1:15-17 | The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.”The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.
Message
Shiprah and Puah were Hebrew midwives who, out of love of God, were willing to disobey the king, however risky, and save Hebrew children.
Sometimes, obeying God comes at a great cost. It might cost you comfort, friends, a job, or even your life.
These two women teach us to obey God and do the right thing even when it costs us. On this important day, a good Mothers Day message to the church can come in form of a challenge to obey God no matter the cost. God honors that commitment and rewards it.
10. Generosity: Mothers Day message for the church
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Acts 9:36-38 | In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
Message
Dorcas/ Tabitha distinguished herself as a generous giver. She touched so many lives that when she died, the widows she had helped pleaded with Paul to resurrect her. Dorcas’ actions and the response to her demise highlight the blessedness of generosity.
Dorcas’ story encourages us to be generous in our everyday lives. The people you help will remember your kindness long after you have forgotten. And so does God.
Of course, we don’t give and help to be remembered, but sometimes God may use the people you helped to bless you. Don’t get tired of doing good.
Genesis 21:1-3 | Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him.
Message
Sarah and Abraham waited 25 years for God to fulfill the promise of a son. Yes, she had lapses, but that’s human. Eventually, Isaac came.
God is faithful in keeping all His promise(s). It might be delayed (from our human perspective), but it will come to pass.
Sarah’s example can be a classic message to encourage a wife or a couple waiting on God for something, especially the fruit of the womb: no matter how long it takes, God is faithful in fulfilling His promises.
12. God Sees you
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Genesis 16:13 | She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Message
Difficult, painful seasons have a way of making us feel forgotten and not seen by God. That’s where Hagar and her son Ishmael found herself when her mistress Sarah sent her away.
See, human beings can put you away and forget you like Hagar, but not God. Just as God found and encouraged her, God can locate you in the difficult season and assure you of His promises.
This is a special message on a special day to remind, especially single mothers going through a hard time, that El Roi, the God who sees us, sees and is with them through it all.
13. Mothers Day message for the church about family feud
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Genesis 29:28-30 | And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. Laban gave his servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years.
Message
A sister should be a best friend, but when Leah and Rachel married the same man -Jacob, they turned into bitter rivals striving to outdo each other. This account sheds light on the difficulties in the lives of women living in polygamous families and family conflict in general.
As much as friction in the family is normal, it doesn’t have to get acrimonious like for the sisters. These Bible verses can provide helpful exhortation and practical wisdom for congregations on Mother’s Day.
14. A call to bravery
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Judges 4:8-9 | Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” “Certainly I will go with you,” said Deborah. “But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.
Message
Deborah, a wife and prophetess, was one of Israel’s judges. When Barak developed cold feet, she led the charge against the commander Sisera.
This practical account reminds women that they can rise bravely and accomplish tasks men could have failed at.
Deborah’s account encourages women to live fearlessly and pursue their calling bravely and diligently. God can use them just as He uses men. Sometimes, He may call them to do more incredible things than many men will ever dream of.
The key point is that they shouldn’t allow their gender to limit them.
15. The blessing of beauty and brains
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1 Samuel 25:3 | His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings—he was a Calebite.
Message
Religious quotes aside, Abigail is the quintessential beauty and brains. The text notes that she was very beautiful, and her conduct in remedying her husband’s mistake in handling King David screams wisdom.
Abigail’s story can be used to exhort women to leverage their God-given beauty for good and apply wisdom in their dealings with everyone. Beauty is good, but it is not everything.
So, women also need to grow in wisdom so that beauty does not become a snare. That way, families will be secure as wisdom will guide them even to cover their husbands’ mistakes for the family’s good.
16. The dangers of wickedness
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Revelation 2:20-22 |Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
Message
Jezebel is known for incredible wickedness. As captured in these Bible verses, her life clearly warns against moral corruption and idolatrous tendencies and how such evil conduct can decimate a family.
17. The place of practical service
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Luke 8:2-3 | and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Matthew 28:1 | After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
Message
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and other unnamed women cared for Jesus Christ’s practical needs out of pocket. Their conduct encourages faithful service by caring for practical needs God makes us aware of.
These women were also among the first at the tomb to witness Jesus’ resurrection, hence the first recipient of the message of the cross of Jesus.
18. The place of obeying quickly in faith
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Genesis 24:58 | So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she said.
Message
Abraham’s faithful instruction, which Eliezer, his servant, obeyed, led them to their relative Bethuel, where they met Rebekah. As soon as the reason for the visit was presented, Rebekah was willing to go back with the stranger(s) to marry someone she had no clue what he looked like.
She shows faith and sensitivity to God’s leading. Rebekah’s response can used to encourage us to trust in God and be sensitive to His leading so we don’t miss out on His promises.
19. Loyalty as Mothers Day message for the church
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Ruth 1:16-17 | But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
Message
Ruth’s unfailing love for her mother-in-law Naomi earned her a book of the Bible. Though there were various reasons to turn back, she stuck with her to the end and ended up in Jesus’ genealogy.
This story teaches and inspires loyalty. As unpopular as it is today, loyalty pays. This can be a good Mother’s Day message.
20. Fighting for what is rightly yours is godly
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Numbers 27:4-7 | Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.” So Moses brought their case before the Lord, and the Lord said to him, “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them.
Psalm 89:14 | Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Message
The theme justice can be a good Mothers Day message for the church. Yahweh is a God of justice. The Bible notes that justice is the foundation of His throne.
In various spaces, women are still discriminated against, like the daughters of Zelophehad, who could not inherit land. By upholding their case when Moses sought His will, God shows it is okay for women to fight for and go for what is rightfully theirs.
Kendrick Ong'anya is a freelance Christian writer based in Nairobi, Kenya. As a believer in Christ, he is passionate about writing Christian content to deepen believers' faith, even while drawing those who are yet to believe into the fold. He is open to collaborating with individuals and organisations to curate blog posts, articles, devotionals, prayer guides, verse/ chapter commentary, and e-books, among other Christian content. You can follow Kendrick on Facebook.
