What is a MOTHER ? Acronym / Titus 2 Moms

My friend Cindy gave a devotional talk for our Titus 2 Moms group last week.  She does not have her own blog, so for a spot for the moms to read what she said, her notes are posted here from  May 22-27.

M-O-T-H-E-R

M:  The name ‘mother’ is one of the most precious names I own. Once you become a mother, you are changed forever! How you see things, what is important to you, your relationship to those around you - even your husband - is never quite the same.

The ‘M’ of mother represents MERCY. Mercy is withholding a consequence due. Another way to say it: Mercy is showing compassion to an offender. God is, of course, the ultimate example of one who shows mercy. We are told, we all fall short of His standard. Yet, in spite of our offense, God desire a relationship with us; so He sent His son, Jesus, to fulfill all of the requirements we couldn’t possibly meet.

But God demonstrated HIS own love for us in this: 

while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Remember when your child was born? You had no expectations of him. In a similar way, we show mercy to our children by not expecting them to meet impossibly high standards. Keep your expectations of your child in line with what she can actually accomplish. Be aware of what you can reasonable expect of him/her.

Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. (Matt 5:7)

Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and see the end intended by the Lord - that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James  5:11)

The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, 

forgiving iniquities and transgressions, 

but He by no means clears the guilty . . . (Numbers 14;18)

Mercy and truth go before Your face. (Psalm 89:14)

He has shown you, O man, what is good; 

and what does the Lord require of you, 

but to do justly, to love mercy, 

and to walk humbly with Your God? (Micah 6:8)

Jesus: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.  (Matthew 9:13)

Keep your child’s abilities and limitations in proper perspective. Don’t expect more from him/her  than she can reasonably accomplish and be forgiving in the face of offense. In so doing, you will be acting like your heavenly Father.