Honoring Mothers: The Power of Sacrificial Love

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Grace Honors the Marginalized and Outcast

God’s grace reaches beyond society’s judgments, dignifying and honoring those whom the world may overlook or dismiss. No matter your past, your status, or what others may say, God’s love and grace are available to you. The story of the two mothers in 1 Kings 3 reminds us that even those considered outcasts by society are seen, valued, and included in God’s story. Where others may see disgrace, God sees worth and extends His amazing grace, reminding every mother and every person that their story is worthy to be told and honored. [01:12:36]

1 Kings 3:16-27 (KJV)
Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house. And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house. And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it. And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear. And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king. Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living. And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.

Reflection: Who in your life or community might feel overlooked or unworthy, and how can you extend God’s grace and honor to them today?

Day 2: God Sees and Values Every Mother

No matter your story—whether you feel like a model mother or one who has struggled—God sees you, knows you, and values you deeply. Just as Hagar called God “El Roi,” the God who sees, every mother can be assured that God is attentive to her tears, her sacrifices, and her journey. God’s love is not based on flawless performance but on His faithful presence, meeting mothers in their moments of pain, struggle, and triumph. You are precious and redeemable in His sight, and your story matters to Him. [01:13:44]

Genesis 16:13 (ESV)
So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to remember that God truly sees and values you today?

Day 3: Godly Wisdom Is Essential for Life’s Challenges

When life presents situations with no easy answers, Godly wisdom is the key to navigating them. Like Solomon, who asked God for wisdom to discern the truth between the two mothers, and like so many mothers who have relied on “mother wit,” we are reminded that wisdom from above is available to all who ask. Whether you are a parent, a leader, or simply facing a difficult decision, God invites you to seek His wisdom, which surpasses human understanding and is given generously to those who ask. [01:16:05]

James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Reflection: What is one decision or challenge you are facing where you need to pause and ask God for His wisdom today?

Day 4: True Love Is Proven Through Sacrifice

Real love is revealed not just in words, but in the willingness to make sacrifices for the good of others. The true mother in Solomon’s court was willing to give up her claim to her child in order to save his life, demonstrating that authentic love is selfless and sacrificial. Many mothers—and all who love deeply—know what it means to put others first, to endure hardship, and to let go for the sake of another’s well-being. This kind of love reflects the heart of God and is worthy of honor and celebration. [01:28:20]

John 15:13 (ESV)
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Reflection: Who in your life needs you to show sacrificial love today, and what is one practical way you can do that?

Day 5: Christ’s Sacrifice Empowers Us to Overcome Life’s Tests

Jesus faced the ultimate test and bore the sword for humanity, enduring suffering and sacrifice so that we might have life. Because He overcame every trial—even death on the cross—we can face our own tests and “swords” with hope and courage. No matter what challenges or sacrifices you encounter, you do not face them alone; Christ is your example, your strength, and your victory. His resurrection assures us that because He lives, we too can live and overcome whatever comes our way. [01:31:00]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Reflection: What is one “sword” or test you are facing right now, and how can you draw on Christ’s strength and example to persevere through it?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to honor and celebrate the profound calling and sacrifice of mothers, especially on this Mother’s Day. The heart of our reflection centered on the story from 1 Kings 3, where two marginalized women stood before King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of a living child. Their story, often overlooked, is a powerful reminder that God dignifies every story, regardless of social status or past mistakes. In a world quick to judge and dismiss, God’s grace abounds, and He sees the worth and sacredness of every mother.

We considered the lives of women like Vivian Malone Jones, Viola Fletcher, Coco Gauff, and Molly Dears—women who did not seek recognition but simply fulfilled their assignments with faithfulness and courage. Their greatness was not in the awards they received, but in their quiet consistency and willingness to do what was right, even when no one was watching. This mirrors the countless mothers who labor in love, often without applause, but whose sacrifices shape generations.

The story of Solomon’s judgment reveals that true motherhood is not just about biology, but about sacrificial love. The real mother was willing to give up her child to save his life, demonstrating that authentic love is proven in moments of testing—what the text calls “the sword.” Every mother faces her own swords: the trials, sacrifices, and heartbreaks that test her faith, strength, and love. Yet, God’s presence is not reserved for the flawless, but for those who lean on Him in their weakness. Like Hagar, who called God “the One who sees me,” every mother is seen, known, and valued by God.

We also recognized the unique wisdom that mothers possess—what we call “mother wit”—a divine wisdom that guides, protects, and nurtures children through life’s complexities. This wisdom is a gift from God, available to all who ask, and is often the only thing that sustains mothers through the unpredictable journey of raising children.

Finally, we looked to Jesus, who faced the ultimate sword on Calvary, bearing the weight of humanity’s sin. His sacrifice is the model and source of strength for every mother and every believer. Because He overcame, we too can face the swords of life with hope and courage. Today, we honor every mother—not for perfection, but for perseverance, sacrifice, and love. You are seen, you are valued, and you are celebrated.

Key Takeaways

1. God dignifies every story, regardless of background or mistakes. The two women in 1 Kings 3 were marginalized and dismissed by society, yet their story is preserved in Scripture as a testament to God’s grace. No matter your past or present, God sees you, values you, and considers your story worthy of honor. Every mother, whether triumphant or struggling, is precious in God’s sight. [72:36]
2. True greatness is found in faithfulness, not in seeking recognition. The examples of women like Vivian Malone Jones and others remind us that the most impactful lives are often those who simply do what is right, regardless of applause. Greatness follows faithfulness, and the quiet sacrifices of mothers are often the seeds of generational blessing. [68:25]
3. The “sword” is the test of sacrificial love. Just as Solomon’s sword revealed the true mother, life’s trials reveal the depth of a mother’s love. Real motherhood is not just about giving birth, but about the willingness to make hard sacrifices for the sake of a child’s well-being, even when it means letting go. [88:20]
4. Godly wisdom—“mother wit”—is essential for navigating the complexities of motherhood. There is no manual for raising children, but God promises to give wisdom generously to those who ask. This divine insight enables mothers to discern, nurture, and protect their children, often in ways that defy logic or explanation. [76:05]
5. Jesus is the ultimate example of sacrificial love and endurance under testing. He faced the sword for us, enduring suffering and temptation, yet emerged victorious. His presence and victory empower every mother—and every believer—to face life’s tests with hope, knowing that God will not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear, and will always provide a way through. [86:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Honoring Mothers and Leaders
[02:30] - Introduction to 1 Kings 3
[04:10] - Prayer and Setting the Scene
[06:00] - The Story of Two Mothers Before Solomon
[10:30] - Modern Examples of Unsung Heroines
[14:00] - The Value of Unrecognized Sacrifice
[17:20] - God’s Grace for the Marginalized
[20:00] - Every Mother’s Story Matters
[23:00] - The Challenges and Sacrifices of Motherhood
[27:00] - God’s Presence and “Mother Wit”
[31:00] - The Wisdom of Solomon and Divine Discernment
[36:00] - The Sword: Testing the Heart of a Mother
[41:00] - The Swords Mothers Face Today
[47:00] - Jesus, the Ultimate Example of Sacrifice
[52:00] - Encouragement and Closing Tribute to Mothers

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In the story from 1 Kings 3, what details show us that both women were marginalized and overlooked by society?
What was King Solomon’s method for discovering the true mother, and why was it so effective?
According to the sermon, what is “mother wit,” and how is it described as different from worldly wisdom?
How did Hagar’s experience in Genesis 16:13 relate to the theme of being seen and valued by God, especially for mothers?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that God dignifies every story, no matter someone’s background or mistakes. Why do you think God chose to include the story of these two women in Scripture?
The “sword” in Solomon’s story is described as a test of sacrificial love. What does this reveal about what it means to be a true mother, according to the sermon?
The examples of women like Vivian Malone Jones and others were highlighted for their faithfulness, not their fame. What does this teach us about how God measures greatness?
The sermon mentions that God’s wisdom is available to all who ask, especially mothers. How does this promise from James 1:5 encourage those who feel unprepared or overwhelmed by their responsibilities?

Application Questions

The sermon reminds us that God sees and values every mother, even those who feel like they have failed or are overlooked. If you are a mother, when have you felt unseen or unappreciated? How does knowing that God sees you change your perspective? If you are not a mother, how can you help affirm the mothers in your life?
Think about a time when you or someone you know had to make a hard sacrifice for the sake of a child or loved one. What was the “sword” in that situation, and how did God’s presence help you through it?
The sermon talks about “mother wit”—divine wisdom that helps mothers (and all of us) navigate life’s challenges. Can you recall a moment when you needed wisdom beyond your own understanding? Did you ask God for help? What happened?
The story of the two mothers shows that true love is willing to let go for the good of someone else. Is there a relationship or situation in your life where God might be calling you to let go or make a sacrifice? What would that look like?
The sermon highlights women who did not seek recognition but simply did what was right. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to seek applause or recognition? How can you shift your focus to faithfulness instead?
Jesus is described as the ultimate example of sacrificial love, facing the “sword” for us. How does His example give you hope or courage to face your own tests and trials?
The message says, “God will not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear, and will always provide a way through.” Is there a current challenge where you need to trust God for strength and a way out? How can your group pray for you in this?

Sermon Clips

Certainly, I want to suggest today that there are countless women, mothers, if not millions, who deserves honor. And watching online and sitting here in this sanctuary today are many mothers, all of these mothers, who perhaps never sought to be honored or never sought an award. But I tell you today that because you put the work in because you've been boots on the ground, you have passed the tests because you have given it everything that you have. [01:09:32]

It was Booker T. Washington who once said true greatness is not being recognized, but in doing things worthy of recognizing because the people who deserve the praise are usually the ones not seeking it. [01:10:16]

While the cancer culture would havesaid that their lives were a disgrace and that they had no place in society.But because of God's amazing grace, there was available to them in spite of their sinful nature.We are reminded that where sin abound, the grace of God does much more abound. [01:12:26]

When we read the story of these two women recognizing that their stories worthy to be told.I think it sends a message to every mother online and every mother on site today that you have a story and no matter what your story is, your story is also worthy to be told. [01:13:38]

And I want to remind every mother, whether you are a model mother or a mother who feel as though you may have messed up in life, that God sees you and that God thinks that you are worthy of honor. [01:13:57]

And I'm sure mothers will tell you that being a mother is not an easy job. The pressures under which you live, the price you have to pay, the sacrifices you have had to make, the pain that you've had to endure, the burdens you have had to carry, the time that you have had to put in, the tears that you have had to shed, the smiles you've had to put on, the hugs you've had to give, the brokenness with which sometimes you are forced to live with is not an easy job. [01:14:35]

And yet how many mothers go throughout their day, day in and day out, month after month and year after year, being the mothers that they have been assigned to be and do so without complaint. I think one more time we ought to applaud every mother. Today you are to be honored. [01:15:01]

And yet it goes without saying that God's love for mother is not tied to some flawless performance, but rather God's love for mothers is tied to God's faithful presence. [01:15:22]

There is a God who sees every mother's tear, who sees the burdens that you bear. There is a God there is a God who meets mothers in the wilderness of their own tears. [01:15:55]

For every mother whether she carries a trophy of triumph or scars of struggle I want to remind you that the same God who met Hagar is the same God who meets our mothers in the midst of their struggle a God who sees and a God who rescues the God who sees us and a God who knows every mother by their name. [01:16:17]

See children don't come with a handbook and just because a mother brings a child into the world it does not mean that the mother automatically knows how to rear that child but thank god for heavenly wisdom and how many mothers have had to figure it out as they went along and if it were not for the wisdom that came from on high many mothers would not have made it but mothers who knew how to go down on their knees and ask god for wisdom have discovered that god would download in you the wisdom you need the moment that you need it most. [01:21:01]

And mothers who have leaned on God, mothers who knew how to go into their war room and have a little talk with Jesus, oftentimes have discovered insight that is beyond their own understanding. [01:21:48]

Mother which shows up in crisis and soothes a fevered brow at midnight. Mother which shows up navigating teenagers in stages of rebellion. Mother which shows up discerning which boo -boo needs a bandage and which child needs a hub. Mother wit can discern when a child is in trouble even though mothers and children might be miles apart. [01:22:01]

And my prayer today for new mothers, mothers who are coming along is that God will give you godly wisdom. Can I speak to some young mother? You may not understand all. You may not know everything that you should know. You may not have motherly figures that you can look to or role models that you can look to. You may have even read every book on motherhood and watched every YouTube on being a mother. But there are some things you can only receive only when you go to the throne of God and ask God to crown you with wisdom. [01:22:48]

Now, the wisdom of God is far different from the wisdom of the world. For the Bible is clear that the ways of God are higher than our ways. The thoughts of God are higher than our thoughts. [01:24:20]

How many mothers have at one time or another have had to face a sword?How many have experienced and gone through the test of real and true motherhood? I mean that experience that went beyond just bringing a child into the world. That experience that went beyond just saying that I am a mother. [01:28:20]

And if you are alive today and you are, because you are listening to me, you ought to thank God that you've had mothers who were courageous enough to face the swords of life, who made the necessary sacrifices so that you and I could be here today. [01:31:09]

And I believe that I'm talking to some mother who've had to face the sword, the mothers who have been through the test. Your faith has been tested. Your love has been tested. Your strength has been tested. Your values have been tested. Your character has been tested. And God knows every now and then your patience gets tested. [01:31:58]

And every time you think of the swords that you have had to face as a mother, as a woman of God, just know that you do not face the swords of life alone. Oh, no. You do not face life trials all by yourself. There is somebody else that I've come to talk about today who also has faced the sword. [01:32:50]

Let me tell you today that every mother has a role model in jesus that jesus is our hero that jesus is our coach and because he could overcome every test of life he helps every mother he helps every man he helps you and i to face and overcome every test and trial that may come our way. [01:35:28]

And the reason you can survive is because god is on your side many mothers have gone before you and they are real examples that you can face the swords of life and because they made it you can make it also. [01:36:06]

If nobody has ever told you let me be the first to say to you today mama you're appreciated you are a winner you ought to be honored you ought to be applauded you ought to be highly esteemed you ought to receive a pat on the back you ought to be recognized for all of your efforts you ought to be placed on a pedestal you ought to be admired you ought to be celebrated you ought to be commended you ought to be congratulated you ought to be honored you ought to be respected we lay these accolades upon you today we compliment you we give you this tribute we credit you we exalt you we revert we reveal you and we crown you. [01:38:13]

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