7 Characteristics Of A Good Mom

7 Characteristic of Motherhood

Various Scriptures

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

From the moment one finds out one is pregnant, life forever changes. Scripture states children are a gift from God that can simultaneously be a source of great joy and grief. It is far from easy bringing a child up in the ways of the Lord in a world that has embraced the god of self and as many paths as one can imagine! As you examine your own life only to find much sin you cannot help but wonder if you have what it takes to be a good mom in the eyes of Jesus? The answer of course is YES you can be a good mom because the Spirit of God who lives in you who will help you develop certain characteristics within yourself that are necessary to please the Father in how you raise your children. Today’s sermon is going to look at seven different moms in the Bible to find out what these characteristics are so that one day you will hear Jesus say well done with the gifts of life I entrusted you with, you have sacrificially loved and given your children every opportunity to know Me!

1. “Patience” – Sarah

The first characteristic of a good mom is patience. When Abram was 75 years old God called him to journey from Ur to the land of Canaan (Genesis 11:31). God promised to make Abram into a great nation (12:2). After 10 years had passed without having produced any children Sarah attempted to build her family through her Egyptian slave Hagar who had a son with Abraham named Ishmael (16:1-4). Some 15 years later God told Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son and despite their laughter (17:17; 18:12) and Sarah’s womb being dead … it happened (21:1)! The day Isaac was born Sarah learned first-hand to be patient and wait on the Lord for what He promises happens! Mom when your children lie to your face, scream at their siblings, stay out many hours past their curfew, take unnecessary physical risks and chase after the ways of this world turn your heart and head upward and pray! Be patient and forebear the rebellion of your children lest you exasperate them (Ephesians 6:4) but also be willing to discipline them (Proverbs 13:24) when and as the Lord sees fit! And mom, always be ready to forgive your children as the Lord has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13)!

2. “Endurance” - Haggar

The second characteristic of a good mom is endurance. Sarah soon regretted her “attempt to implement the divine promise” of Abraham becoming a great nation through her maidservant Hagar for the moment she got pregnant Hagar became arrogant. A deity had blessed her with Abraham’s heir living inside her womb! Sarai complained to Abraham and she got her authority back to do whatever she pleased with her maidservant. Sarah mistreated Hagar and to keep Ishmael from sharing in Abraham’s inheritance she had both of them banned to the desert of Beersheba (Genesis 21:8-14). Even though “God unequivocally identified Isaac as the heir of the Great Abrahamic promises” He told Hagar Ismael too would become a nation. Mom children are not to be seen as “possessions” but as those who are fearfully and wonderfully knit within your womb (Psalms 139). While it is healthy to have joy in your children’s accomplishments do not forget that all good gifts in their lives comes from their Father in heaven (James 1:17). Hagar not only learned how to be a humble mom but, in the desert, she also learned how to endure great hardships (Genesis 21)! In the face of many trials and tribulations that often comes with child rearing, mom seek God who can always be found (Jeremiah 29:12-14) and stand firm in your desire to love and raise your children in the ways of the Lord!

3. “No Favoritism” – Rebekah

The third characteristic of a good mom is to not show favouritism for one child over another. In his old age Abraham decided that the “bearer of God’s Great Promise,” Isaac was not to intermarry with the Canaanites (Genesis 24:3) but was to seek a wife amongst his own family. According to divine providence (24:11-21, 50-51) a woman who was both hospitable and hardworking, Rebekah, said yes to being Isaac’s wife. After 20 years of marriage and intercessory prayer by Isaac (25:21) she had twin boys, Jacob and Esau. Isaac favored Esau and Rebekah Jacob which caused great strife and estrangement between the brothers for approximately 20 years! While it is often unwise to treat children with different needs the same, be very careful mom that you don’t favor one child over another simply due to his/her matching your personality better. Showing less love for one child can cut long-term wounds into their self-worth while showing favoritism can lead to spoiling and instill pride into his/her heart. To the best of your ability love your children equally and celebrate both their differences and similarities.