Bethany Bray | 5-10-2026
Mother’s Day can be both beautiful and tender, bringing joy to some while stirring up pain for others. Whether you’re in the thick of raising young children, longing for children, grieving loss, or somewhere in between, God meets you exactly where you are. Today’s message reveals something profound: motherhood isn’t just about human relationships—it reflects the very heart of God.
What Does It Mean That God Has a Mother Heart?
Scripture reveals that God possesses both fatherly and motherly characteristics. We were created “male and female in his image” (Genesis 1:27), which means both aspects of nurturing and strength reflect who God is.
Consider these powerful verses that show God’s maternal heart:
“‘As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you'” – Isaiah 66:13
“‘Can a mother forget her nursing child? Even if she could, I will not forget you'” – Isaiah 49:15
Jesus himself expressed this motherly longing: “‘How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings'” – Matthew 23:37
Why Must We Be Parented Before We Parent?
Before we can effectively parent others, we must first understand what it means to be children of God. Romans 8:15 reminds us: “You have received the spirit of adoption by whom we cry, Abba Father.”
You cannot give what you haven’t first received. Parenting from exhaustion, comparison to social media, or sheer willpower will leave you empty. But when you parent from being loved and cared for by God, everything changes.
The Humbling Reality of Parenting
Parenting reveals our own need for growth. When children display stubbornness, pride, or selfishness, it often mirrors areas where we need God’s work in our own hearts. This isn’t condemnation—it’s an invitation to encounter God’s grace.
As Matthew 18:3 says: “Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” We’re all just grown-up kids who desperately need Jesus.
How Do We Lead Our Children to Jesus the Rescuer?
One of the most liberating truths for parents is this: you are not your child’s rescuer. Only Jesus can truly save and transform hearts. Your role is to reveal Him, not to be Him.
Teaching Children to Hear God’s Voice
Instead of always providing answers, teach your children to ask: “What do you feel like God is saying about that?” This equips them to develop their own relationship with the Holy Spirit.
When conflicts arise, encourage children to pause and ask God what they need to repent of, then return to speak life over their siblings. This teaches them to depend on God’s wisdom rather than just parental instruction.
What Does It Mean to Speak Life Over Our Children?
God spoke the world into existence with His words, and He’s given parents the same power. Proverbs 18:21 tells us there is “life and death in the power of the tongue.”
Your voice is the loudest in your children’s ears—an echo that will resonate in their minds for years to come. What identity are your words placing into your kids?
Moving Beyond Cultural Norms
While sarcasm and teasing may be culturally acceptable, consider rising above to speak blessing and encouragement. Your children face enough discouragement from the world—let your home be a place where life is spoken.
Practical Ways to Speak Life
- Notice their unique “superpowers” and call them out
- Create specific declaration statements based on their identity in Christ
- Speak to who they’re becoming, not just who they are today
- Use correction as an opportunity to reinforce their true identity
Instead of saying “You’re so disobedient,” try “You are learning to obey.” Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, declare what God says is true about them.
How Do We Walk in Obedience as Parents?
Walking in obedience means modeling the behavior we want to see. If we want respectful children, we must show respect to our own authorities. Ephesians 5:33 calls wives to respect their husbands—not because husbands are perfect, but because God’s Word is perfect.
Children watch how we handle authority, conflict, and relationships. They learn more from what they observe than from what we say.
What About Things We Cannot Control?
Perhaps the hardest part of parenting is releasing control. These children belong to God, not to us. His ways are higher than our ways, and He has unique plans for each child.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future'” – Jeremiah 29:11
Trusting God’s Faithfulness
Philippians 1:6 provides incredible comfort: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This applies to our children too. God is faithful to complete what He started in them.
For parents with prodigal children or those facing difficult seasons, hold onto this truth: God’s story isn’t finished yet.
The Role of Spiritual Motherhood
Motherhood isn’t limited to biological relationships. God “sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6), and spiritual motherhood plays a crucial role in the kingdom of God.
Whether through mentoring, fostering, adopting, or simply speaking life into younger believers, there are countless opportunities to nurture and encourage others. The church needs more spiritual mothers willing to step into gaps and provide the love and guidance that many are missing.
Life Application
This week, commit to encountering God as your Father before you attempt to parent others. Spend time asking Him: “What do you say about me?” and “How do you see me?” Let Him fill you with His love so you can pour it out to your children.
Choose one specific way to speak life over your children this week. Notice their unique gifts and call them out. Create opportunities for them to hear God’s voice for themselves rather than always providing the answers.
Questions for Reflection:
- How am I allowing God to parent me before I parent others?
- What words am I consistently speaking over my children, and do they reflect God’s heart?
- In what areas am I trying to be my children’s rescuer instead of pointing them to Jesus?
- How can I better model the respect and obedience I want to see in my children?
- What do I need to release control of and trust God with regarding my children’s futures?
Remember, parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about pointing our children to the One who is perfect. As we encounter God’s heart and allow Him to parent us, we can lead our children to Jesus the rescuer while speaking life, walking in obedience, and trusting Him with what we cannot control.