Today’s devotion is based on the Message: Love Revealed (Watch Here)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
—1 Corinthians 13:4–8 (NIV)
There is no question that when one looks for examples of Christ-like love, we look to our mothers. For sure, not every person has the blessing of a loving mother, but motherhood is still lifted up as a primary example of what love is. Yesterday, on Mother’s Day, we paused to celebrate the women who have nurtured, guided, and loved us—mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, and spiritual mothers.
Often the world defines motherhood by activity—diapers changed, meals cooked, soccer practices attended—Scripture points us to something deeper: the heart behind those actions. In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul describes the kind of love that mirrors the character of Christ. It’s no coincidence that this same kind of love often shows up in the life of a faithful mother.
“Love is patient, love is kind.” How many times has a mother waited with patient endurance through tantrums, teenage attitudes, or times of uncertainty? How many acts of unnoticed kindness—packing lunches, offering hugs, praying late at night—have flowed from a mother’s heart?
“It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” A godly mother rejoices in her children’s growth and victories, not her own recognition. Even in a world that often overlooks her quiet labor, she finds joy in others’ flourishing.
“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” This kind of love chooses forgiveness over resentment, gentleness over harshness, humility over pride. Mothers who love this way reflect Christ—especially when no one else sees. How many times does mom forgive!
“Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This is the kind of fierce, enduring love that continues to believe in a child who has lost their way, hopes in hard seasons, and stays steadfast when life is overwhelming. This is agape love—selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.
As great as our moms are, even the most devoted mother falls short. No human love is perfect. But that’s why we look to God’s love, the source of all true love. The love described in 1 Corinthians 13 is ultimately the love of Christ, poured into our hearts by His Spirit (Romans 5:5). We thank God for moms who lean on Jesus, who seek to be filled with his love, His strength, His grace, and His example so they might love well.
Thank you Lord for all our moms who live out this kind of love—not just through what they do, but through who they are. Strengthen them each day to love as you have loved them.
Apply: If you haven’t, take time today to give thanks to God for your mom…let her know too!
Prayer: Lord thank you for moms who seek to reflect your heart of love. Refresh and strengthen them as they continue to pour out their love to their children. Encourage those that are struggling. Give hope to moms experiencing loss and in all things fill the hearts of all with your unchanging and enduring love. AMEN.