Preparing Hearts For Honor
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'" - Proverbs 31:28-29
Mother's Day is just two days away, and our hearts naturally turn toward the women who have shaped our lives. But honor isn't something we should reserve for just one day a year—it's a lifestyle that reflects the heart of God.
The Proverbs 31 woman has become both an inspiration and an intimidation for many. But look closely at these verses—her honor doesn't come from being perfect. It comes from being faithful. Her children and husband don't praise her because she never made mistakes; they praise her because she consistently chose to love them well.
True honor recognizes the sacrifice behind the service. It sees the countless unseen moments of love, the prayers whispered over sleeping children, the meals prepared with care, the worries carried in silence, and the strength displayed in weakness. Honor looks beyond what someone does and celebrates who someone is.
Whether you're preparing to honor your own mother, your wife, or the mother-figures in your life, remember that honor is more than a greeting card or a special dinner. Honor is about recognizing the image of God in someone and celebrating how He has worked through them to bless your life.
Think about the mothers and mother-figures who have influenced your life. Write down three specific ways they have blessed you that go beyond what they did to who they are. Plan to share these observations with them, not just on Mother's Day, but as an ongoing expression of honor.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of mothers and the women who have loved us like mothers. Help me to see them through Your eyes—not just as people who serve, but as Your daughters who reflect Your heart. Give me opportunities to honor them not just with words, but with a life that reflects the values they instilled in me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Mother's Day is just two days away, and our hearts naturally turn toward the women who have shaped our lives. But honor isn't something we should reserve for just one day a year—it's a lifestyle that reflects the heart of God.
The Proverbs 31 woman has become both an inspiration and an intimidation for many. But look closely at these verses—her honor doesn't come from being perfect. It comes from being faithful. Her children and husband don't praise her because she never made mistakes; they praise her because she consistently chose to love them well.
True honor recognizes the sacrifice behind the service. It sees the countless unseen moments of love, the prayers whispered over sleeping children, the meals prepared with care, the worries carried in silence, and the strength displayed in weakness. Honor looks beyond what someone does and celebrates who someone is.
Whether you're preparing to honor your own mother, your wife, or the mother-figures in your life, remember that honor is more than a greeting card or a special dinner. Honor is about recognizing the image of God in someone and celebrating how He has worked through them to bless your life.
Think about the mothers and mother-figures who have influenced your life. Write down three specific ways they have blessed you that go beyond what they did to who they are. Plan to share these observations with them, not just on Mother's Day, but as an ongoing expression of honor.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of mothers and the women who have loved us like mothers. Help me to see them through Your eyes—not just as people who serve, but as Your daughters who reflect Your heart. Give me opportunities to honor them not just with words, but with a life that reflects the values they instilled in me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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7 Comments
Oh man! Pastor Ed I can answer immediately the biggest thing from both my wife and my mother is hands down their consistent patience, tolerance, and forgiveness. Especially realizing in the spirit they knew and still chose to demonstrate love when I clearly wasn’t being straight with them. All the lies and just plain being a jerk had to have been tough. But with my wife it is very special. We have a disabled 9 year old and a very confused 18 year old. It has been so challenging for the both of us. She on many occasions has shown me through her actions what it means to sacrifice one’s own desires for someone else. She stepped out in faith without ever knowing if there would be a reward for the work she put in. This is a tough thing. I believe even God counts that as righteousness. Love you guys!
Amen to that Pastor Ed! There are so many important and special things that only a mother can provide. There is a clear difference between mothers and fathers(boys & girls). Spiritual, physical, emotional, etc., etc., etc. Please anyone who reads this, spend more time, as much time as you can with the one(s) who brought you into this world. You don’t know what tomorrow brings, so spend time with them today. In 2008, just before Christmas, my mother took her own life. We never saw it coming and I couldn’t tell her how much she meant to me. She didn’t get the chance to meet her three grandkids or my wife. It hurts a lot because I know she would have loved them so much and they would have loved her. So, love these women with all your heart. Appreciate the little things they do to make life easier. Appreciate their love for you and comfort them when they seem overwhelmed. Love you Mom
Amen!
Thank you Linda. That means a lot to have someone I’ve never met comment on that. I’m so sorry that you had to go through that heartache. I had 27 wonderful years with my mom. She was a strong believer in Jesus. At first, actually for a long time, anger and indifference lived in my heart. I was told by some that if you take your own life that it is unforgivable by God…and I almost believed it. Now I do truly know that I will see her again in heaven and that she will get to hug her grandkids and great grandkids one day in heaven. God bless and thank you for reaching out.
Amen!
Oh Ryan, you bring tears to my eyes as I ponder what it must have been like for you and for your mother. I lost my only son in childbirth and could never have children after that. It devastated me and I tried to take my own life 3 times. I think your mother probably felt like I did ,... I didn't WANT to die. I just wanted the PAIN to go away. My capacity to cope was not something I learned. I finally admitted myself into a 30-day-treatment plan in a Christ centered RAPHA hospital unit. That was in 1991. Ever since I was released I started sharing in my Living Room and later in churches about our identity in Christ and how to recognize our false beliefs/fears, reject them, and replace them with God's TRUTH. It is my calling now. God turned my PAIN to PURPOSE and that's the name of my Group. I just wanted to give you a word of comfort because I'm sure the last thing she wanted to do was bring pain into your life. If she knew Jesus as her Savior, you will have all of eternity to catch up on what we think is lost. God bless you, Ryan, and your wife and family always!
Amen!
Thank you Linda. That means a lot to have someone I’ve never met comment on that. I’m so sorry that you had to go through that heartache. I had 27 wonderful years with my mom. She was a strong believer in Jesus. At first, actually for a long time, anger and indifference lived in my heart. I was told by some that if you take your own life that it is unforgivable by God…and I almost believed it. Now I do truly know that I will see her again in heaven and that she will get to hug her grandkids and great grandkids one day in heaven. God bless and thank you for reaching out.
Amen!
Amen
amén!