God’s Kindness in Motherhood

As moms, we have our children’s best interests at heart. We would do anything for our children if we could. When they hurt, we hurt. We want them to have the best life they can experience. It is not free of struggle or challenges, but we are always their greatest champions. We see the best in them even when they don’t. We call them up to a higher place even when they are scared or don’t understand. It is part of our role as their parent.

As I was sitting with the Lord recently, I felt the love of my Father wash over me in a way I had not known before. He began to speak to me about His kindness. Sometimes our “I got what I deserved” mindset or “I don’t measure up” struggle can hinder us from fully experiencing the kindness of our Father.

When I began to study the scriptures, I was amazed at how much they speak about His kindness. Romans 2:4 (TPT) says,.” Do you realize that all the wealth of his extravagant kindness is meant to melt your heart and lead you into repentance?” This verse reveals that it is His kindness that leads us to repentance. Why is this? He knows the joy we will experience in walking with a pure heart. I feel like so often we have this idea that He is looking at us with frustration, shaking His head in disapproval, but He is actually waiting with compassion to lead us to a place where we would be quick to repent of our bad attitudes, our unwillingness to surrender, or our failure to live according to His Word.

Consider Psalm 103:8 (TPT), which says, “Lord, you’re so kind and tenderhearted and so patient with people who fail you! Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness.” This is a powerful reminder of God’s nature. He is compassionate and gracious, not quick to anger but abounding in love. This is the heart of our Father towards us, and it is the heart we can carry into our parenting. When we feel like we have failed, when we feel like we are not patient enough, not teaching enough, or being too hard on our children, we can remember that God’s patience and love are available to us.

For many seasons of my life, I had the perception that God was waiting to criticize or shame me when I messed up, especially in motherhood. I felt like I was failing at motherhood on a daily basis when my kids were younger. I was not patient enough, I worried if I taught them enough, or if I was too hard on them. The list could go on. I would feel this self-imposed guilt that I was not enough to be a “good mom.”

Hey Mama, did you know this is not the heart of the Father towards you? 

Isaiah 54:10 (TPT) reassures us: “Even if the mountains were to crumble and the hills disappear, my heart of steadfast, faithful love will never leave you, and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken,” says Yahweh, whose love and compassion will never give up on you.” God’s love and compassion are unwavering, no matter what.

In our imperfections, God’s kindness shines even brighter. Titus 3:4-5 (TPT) reminds us, “When the extraordinary compassion of God our Savior and his overpowering love suddenly appeared in person, as the brightness of a dawning day, he came to save us. Not because of any virtuous deed that we have done but only because of his extravagant mercy.” It is not about our perfection as mothers but about His mercy and kindness. His kindness is not something we earn; it is freely given.

As mothers, we are called to live out this same kindness in our homes. Ephesians 4:32 (TPT) encourages us, “But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.” When we parent from a place of kindness and compassion, we reflect the heart of God to our children. We show them what it means to be loved unconditionally, just as we are loved by our Heavenly Father.

If you are struggling with feelings of inadequacy or guilt in your motherhood journey, take heart in the truth of God’s kindness. Psalm 145:8-9 (TPT) says, “You’re kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and very patient with people who fail you. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. God, everyone sees your goodness, for your tender love is blended into everything you do.” His compassion extends to you in your role as a mother. He sees your heart, your efforts, and your love for your children.

In moments when you feel like you are not enough, remember Lamentations 3:22-23 (TPT): “God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!” Each day is a new opportunity to experience God’s kindness and to extend that kindness to your children.

Motherhood is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Through it all, we can rest in the kindness of our Heavenly Father. His kindness leads us to repentance, embraces us in our imperfections, and empowers us to be the mothers He has called us to be. Let’s embrace His kindness, lean into His love, and parent from a place of compassion and grace. Remember, you are never alone; God’s kindness and love are with you every step of the way.