Her children arise and call her blessed (Proverbs 31: 28)
Children respect and honour your mothers for this is pleasing to the Lord. Yes bless her for all that her hands have done, and give her praise. This is your duty as children. Make it a habit to appreciate and love her. Be thankful to God for your mothers.
Jesus thought of His mother while bearing the sins of the world on the cross. He saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” Jesus saw to it that his mother is being taken care of before He offered up His life. He fulfilled God’s command to “honour your father and your mother’ right till the end of His earthly life. He has left us an example to follow in His footsteps.
Recently I’m saddened to know that filial piety is no longer practiced in Confucius’s hometown of Qufu, China. The head of an elder-care centre in Shandong said that many children never visit their aged parents to avoid being criticized for not taking care of them. The children are ashamed of being seen. From July 1, parents in China can sue their kids who don’t visit them often enough under a broadened law mandating that children take better care of their aged. The law enables the elderly to seek legal recourse and prohibits “discrimination, insult, ill-treatment and abandonment” of the aged. China is not alone in mandating filial responsibility. Singapore, Canada and at least 29 U.S. states have legislations to ensure children provide financial support for their elderly parents in need. It is sad that we have to be mandated by the law to fulfil our basic obligations to our parents.
God’s word is clear on this: honour your father and mother (Ep 6:2); anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death (Ex 21:15); anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death (Ex 21:17); do not despise your mother when she is old (Pr 23:22).
If your mother is a believer praise the Lord, if not pray unceasingly for her salvation. Do not be self-indulgent always spare a thought for your mother, life does not revolve around you only. She needs your appreciation and encouragement. Pray for her well being so that she could take better care of the family. If she is old and aged, visit her regularly and provide for her needs. Be patient with her if she did not hear what you say the first time around and you may have to repeat yourself. You see the toil and labour of taking care of a family coupled with the passing of years have taken a toll on her physically. Have you given your mother a hug lately and tell her that you love her? Today is a good day to start!! This would mean more to her than flowers or candy, or eating out.
Here’s a quick word for mothers. Your job is not done yet!! Continue to pray diligently for your children and grandchildren and instruct them in the ways of the Lord. Love, encourage and be patient with them. Do not be anxious nor give up on them. Be the mother that your children will arise and call blessed.
Sister Teo Soke Fung
