Is Mother's Day something Christians should celebrate?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible clearly commands us to honor our mothers, though it does not require setting aside a specific day to do so. From the faithful examples of women like Hannah and King Lemuel’s mother in Proverbs 31 to Jesus’ care for His own mother, Scripture affirms the value of mothers in God's plan. While some are concerned about Mother's Day’s historical origins, Paul reminds believers in Romans 14 that honoring a day can be a personal act of worship to the Lord. Christians can celebrate Mother's Day by expressing love, gratitude, and encouragement in ways that reflect God's heart. Honoring mothers—biological, adoptive, or spiritual—is a meaningful way to thank God and affirm their role in nurturing life and faith.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16 call us to honor our fathers and mothers.
• Proverbs 23:22 and Proverbs 31:28 show that godly mothers are worthy of respect, praise, and gratitude.
• From Eve (Genesis 3:20) to Hannah (1 Samuel 1–2), mothers play essential roles in God’s plans.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Ephesians 6:2 echoes Deuteronomy 5:16: "'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.'" Honoring parents is not just an Old Testament idea; it’s for all followers of Christ.
• Even on the cross, Jesus cared for Mary, His mother, telling John to take her as his own mother (John 19:26-27). This act showed deep love and responsibility.
• Paul speaks of Timothy’s sincere faith, passed down from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). God uses mothers to nurture children and pass on faith.
• Some Christians wonder about celebrating Mother's Day because of its ancient pagan origins. Paul addressed a similar issue in his letter to believers in Rome: "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God" (Romans 14:5-6).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Mother's Day began as a celebration of Rhea, the mother of the Greek mythological gods, then transitioned in the seventeenth century to a day to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus. Eventually, all mothers were included. In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May; in the United Kingdom, Mothering Day is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Today, many Mother's Day celebrations consist of honoring mothers with a kind message in a card, chocolate or flowers, or taking moms out to a special meal.

Honoring our mothers does not have to and should not be limited to one day, but setting aside time to show gratitude, encouragement, and love can reflect the biblical call to honor them. Mother’s Day is an opportunity for us as Christians to thank God for the gift of our mothers—biological, adoptive, or spiritual—and to affirm their value through words, acts of kindness, and prayer. Whether we send a note, share a meal, or simply express heartfelt appreciation, we mirror Jesus' example of love and care for His own mother. We also recognize the influence many women have in shaping faith and character, just as Timothy's mother and grandmother did. Celebrating mothers in a Christ-centered way reminds us that gratitude is holy—and honoring those who gave us life is part of honoring the One who gave us all life.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible commands believers to honor their mothers, though it does not require a specific day for doing so.
• Scripture highlights the spiritual influence and value of mothers.
• Christians can celebrate Mother’s Day, using it as an opportunity to reflect God's love, express gratitude, and affirm the role of mothers in nurturing life and faith.

REFLECT

• How do you intentionally honor your mother—or the women who have nurtured you—in ways that reflect God’s love?
• What challenges or blessings have you experienced in showing gratitude to your mother or spiritual mother figures?
• How can you make honoring your mother a regular part of your life, not just something done once a year?

ENGAGE

• What does it look like for a Christian to celebrate Mother's Day in a way that honors Christ and the roles that mothers have?
• How does Scripture challenge cultural or commercial views of Mother’s Day by highlighting a mother’s spiritual impact?
• What can the church do to affirm, encourage, and support biological, adoptive, and spiritual mothers year-round?