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“Sympathetic Mothers”

Christian mothers have the promise of positive influence through being supportive and sympathetic. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Holy Spirit led mothers share in their children’s rejoicing as well as their mourning.

One of the most respected men in America, President Ronald Reagan, was known and appreciated for his expressions of emotion. In moments of national tragedy, when the shuttle was destroyed and when our men were killed in Lebanon he cried openly. It is a proven fact that strong trusted leaders are not afraid to express their emotions, whereas, weak leaders often show little emotion, especially over the joys and hurts of others.

Jesus is our example, He wept with those who wept (John 11:35) and He rejoiced over the salvation of Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:9)

The most influential mothers are those who grieve when their children grieve and rejoice when their children are rejoicing. A few years ago I had the privilege to meet Pastor Don McMinn. He wrote a Bible study titled, “The 11^th Commandment.” While teaching on, “Comfort One Another” he shared the testimony of a time when his mother’s tears really comforted him. Several weeks before he started first grade Don broke his ankle. His dad rescued him and took him home. His dad figured that it was just badly sprained so he did not take Don to the hospital until the next day. Don’s mom was working late at the grocery store and it was somewhat late into the night before he saw his mother. When she walked into his bedroom Don was crying. The first words out of his mother’s mouth were not, “How did this happen” or “Dad, why didn’t you take Don to the hospital?” Rather her first words came with tears, “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry.” Her words so comforted him.

A Christian mother’s sympathetic words and actions have a powerful effect on her children.

Make Every Effort to be Sympathetic!