How to Love Your Mother
Some of us .. although not all of us oldtimers – showed Mom our love with hugs, drawings, and snuggling up .. But now that we’re adults, some of us are uncertain how to demonstrate love to our mother because at times our relationship is challenging at best – trying to meet her needs as she ages, or becomes terminally ill, needs constant care ( like you did as a baby ) .. these times can be emotionally draining, time consuming and very expensive to say the least .. Or perhaps you carry resentment over past experiences of conflict, mistreatment, rejection or even what your therapist calls child abuse .. and now there is a barrier between you and your mother.
Despite your past history and even present challenges – we cannot ignore the Bible’s command to honor our parents (Eph. 6:2). Here are four beautiful suggestions that have come to me today from my Friend in Christ – Dr. Charles Stanley .. he suggests four ways to respect and love your mother regardless of what has happened in your relationship.
Love her patiently. There are no perfect mothers. We all make mistakes and carry emotional baggage that shapes our actions and responses. Just consider how patiently God deals with you, and do the same with your mom. When is the last time you genuinely “prayed” for your mother?
Treat her kindly. Rudeness only reveals our own imperfections and does nothing to benefit Mom or improve your relationship with her. Consider how Jesus has treated you .. then ask Him for strength to be more like Him in these things ..
Act unselfishly. We are called to follow Christ’s example of selfless service instead of seeking convenience or our own comfort.
Remember that love requires forgiveness. Holding a grudge not only poisons us; it also prevents a good relationship from developing. Have you been forgiven much in your life? .. to those who have been given much – Much Is Expected In Return ..
Now, all this sounds impossible, and it actually is – except by The Power offered to each of us from Jesus Christ living His life through you and I .. Jesus loved His Mom .. and He knows exactly how to love your mom. And He will guide and empower you to respond as He would, if you will yield control of your life to Him.. and ASK, SEEK .. and KNOCK. (Matthew 7:7-11)