What Makes Mothers so Special

What makes good mothers so special?

What is it about them that makes our hearts go soft and squishy?

Why are we flooded with emotion at the sound of their voices?

People were created with an innate need to connect with other people. We were made with a deeply ingrained need to be seen, known, accepted, valued, and deeply loved, even in our most authentic, unfiltered, undignified, imperfect, raw condition. And for most of us, the one person who loves us like that is our mother.

Our mothers have seen us at our worst. They’ve carried us in our weakest moments. They’ve absorbed the most venting outbursts of anger. They’ve listened to our innermost thoughts and sat with us in our pain. They’ve counseled us through our foolish and naïve reasonings. They see through our manipulation and call us on our stubborn sin. They discipline us with grit, grace, and a healthy dose of accountability. They empty themselves entirely for our sake and drain every ounce of energy on our behalf. They put themselves through the shredder to run to our aid and restore us, even when it costs them everything.

Have you ever wondered how good mamas can love so sacrificially? What causes them to empty themselves so willingly—so completely?

Mothers are image-bearers of the almighty God. He created mamas to see their children the way God sees His children. He created them to love their families the way He loves His family: with sacrificial, pursuing, restoring agapé.

When we experience the authentic love of a godly mother, we are given a glimpse into the love of God, who pursued His children by emptying Himself and coming to our world to sit with us in our pain. He sacrificed Himself to save His children from their own foolish rebellion.

Jesus Christ willingly endured the most horrific torture and death so that we could be spared the punishment we deserved; and in paying our penalty, He rebuilt the bridge back to God that we had destroyed with our sin. Through His sacrifice, Jesus restored our hope, providing for us forgiveness, new life, and intimate relationship with our loving Father.

Godly mothers are special, undeserved gifts because their love looks like Jesus’ love.

As we approach Mother’s Day, celebrate the gift of your mother by letting her know how much you appreciate her.