Whether you’re a new mum, a seasoned mother, or even preparing for motherhood, this post will help you understand what it means to be a godly mother.
Motherhood is a beautiful calling, but it also comes with great responsibility. As a Christian mother, you’re not just raising children, you’re shaping souls for God’s glory. In today’s world, it can be easy to get caught up in society’s expectations of motherhood, but true godly motherhood is about following God’s design, leaning on His wisdom, and allowing His Word to guide you.
We’ll look at godly mothers in the Bible, the heart behind biblical motherhood, and how you can grow in faith as you raise your children. And with Mother’s Day approaching, this is the perfect time to reflect on how to live out the calling of a Proverbs 31 woman in your parenting.
Let’s dive in!
What is a godly mother?
A godly mother is a woman who raises her children with faith, wisdom, and a heart surrendered to God. She understands that motherhood is not just about providing for her children’s physical needs but also nurturing their spiritual growth. The Bible gives us powerful examples of godly mothers, like Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Hannah, the mother of Samuel.
Mary displayed unwavering faith and obedience, surrendering her son to God’s will even when she didn’t fully understand it (Luke 1:38). Hannah exemplified deep trust in God, praying fervently for a child and then dedicating Samuel back to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28). These women remind us that godly motherhood starts with a heart devoted to God, trusting Him in every season of parenting.
Proverbs 31:26-28 describes a virtuous and godly woman who speaks wisdom, teaches kindness, and whose children rise and call her blessed. Being a Proverbs 31 mother doesn’t mean being perfect, it means seeking God daily, leading your children by example, and entrusting their lives to Him.
How to be a godly mother?
1. Spend time with God daily
A godly mother puts God first in everything (Matthew 6:33) and ensures that she spends time in the presence of the Lord daily, despite the tasks and to-do lists she has in a day. Surrendering yourself to God allows you to be led by Him in all things (Proverbs 3:6). This is why it is imperative to read and study God’s word and let it meditate in your heart (Psalms 1:2) so, that the wisdom of God can guide you through your days. It may mean that you will have to wake up a little earlier in the day, or during the children’s nap time to utilise that time to read God’s word. Figure out a time in the day that is best suited for you, and set an appointment to spend time in God’s presence.
Related: How to Spend Quiet Time with Jesus
2. Build a godly home
A godly mother stewards her home and takes responsibility for her resources to properly manage the home as a homemaker of the household (Proverbs 31:15, 21-22). She makes a house into a home. She observes her family as a faithful guardian in the home (Proverbs 31:27) and ensures that her household possesses growth of godliness. She builds up her home by building the foundation of her home in the Lord (Proverbs 14:1), she and her husband lead their family in worship, prayer, and the reading of the Bible.
3. Lead by example
Practice what you preach. Children absorb things very easily, what you say but most importantly what you do. If the words that you teach your children, align with your actions, then this will give evidence and prove that you mean what you say. Therefore, teaching your children to love God and to have a relationship with Him (Deuteronomy 11:19), will be magnified if they see you as their mother, spending time with God in prayer and reading the Word, also attending church and being surrounded by faith-filled people, and trusting in God through trials and tribulations. You will see your children obeying you and listening to your wise teachings, as they should (Proverbs 1:8, 6:20).
4. Pray for your children as a godly mother
A praying mother intercedes for her children daily. Her prayers protect her children from the lies of the enemy and the deception of the world so that her children prevent from comprising their faith by conforming to the patterns of the world (Romans 12:2). She prays for her children to have a teachable spirit so that they may be ready to receive salvation in their hearts and trust God. She prays for her children to be a part of helping their generation to be godly as they model their lives after Jesus.
Related: How to Pray Effectively
5. Surround yourself with Christian friends
Having a godly community around you with people who love the Lord can be very helpful when in times of discouragement, such as not feeling like you are a good mother, their wisdom and encouragement can be very beneficial in ensuring that you are back on the right course, believing in God’s word over the lies of the enemy. Also, it is a great way to organise playdates with your children and theirs, and they are around children who are being loved and disciplined in a godly way.
Related: How to be a Godly Friend
6. Active in church
Being active in the church not only shows and teaches your children that this is a form to demonstrate your love for God (Colossians 3:23-24) and leading by example but also it shows your kids that the Lord’s work is important. Therefore, when your kids see you serving God, they too will want to serve God. However, it is essential that there is a balance as a mother, if you are in a busy season, do not neglect your children or care for your home by serving very hard in church ministry. Balance is key!
7. Teach your children to love God
A godly mother trains her children in the way of the Lord and teaches them how to love God, and deepens their relationship with Him so that, when they grow older they do not turn away from the righteous teachings (Proverbs 22:6). She teaches her kids to love God and others and scripture commands us to (Matthew 22:37-39). Practical things to do is to teach them the basic principles of the Christian faith in a simple and easy way for your children to understand. Also, you can pray with your kids before going to sleep or first thing in the morning. You can read them bible stories (kid version) before they go to sleep and explain to them what the story means. Additionally, be prepared to give answers to questions that they may have about Christianity and what the Bible teaches (1 Peter 3:15), especially for teenagers and young adults e.g. topics on sex, dating etc.
8. Cheerfully serve your family unto the Lord
As a home missionary, a godly mother cheerfully serves her family unto the Lord without complaining, as she recognises that she has been appointed by Christ to serve Him in her home. Whatever she puts her hands to, she serves as though she is serving God and not mere people (Colossians 3:23-24). Her home is her mission field, anointing her home and making sure her children are spiritually protected by the Lord. Her service to the Lord and her family is done with a genuine love for God and is not performative. Her children are blessed by her and her husband gives her praise (Proverbs 31:28).
I pray this blog post blessed you with godly practical tips and wisdom to become a godly mother, and to help you raise godly children.
Leave a comment sharing what biblical tip you will apply to help you become a godly mother.
Stay blessed,
Divine L.
Updated on: 21 March 2025
Hi, I am Divine L., your sister-in-F.A.I.T.H., who is passionate about discipling Christian girls to be a walking embodiment of Jesus Christ in their daily lives and to help young girls and woman become who God destined for them to become. It is a great blessing to welcome you to the F.A.I.T.H. sisterhood!