I’ve been reminded that Mother’s Day is more than flowers, cards, and gifts. Mothers deserve honor not just one Sunday in May, but every day. Anna Jarvis wanted the day to be about commitment and remembrance, not profit, and that same spirit should move me to ask what my mother truly deserves from me.

I need to give my mother obedience, because Paul wrote, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” in Ephesians 6:1, and again, “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord” in Colossians 3:20. Solomon also said, “Do not forsake the law of your mother” in Proverbs 1:8. Even Jesus gave me the example, because Luke 2:51 says He went with Mary and Joseph to Nazareth “and was subject to them.”

I need to give my mother respect because God commanded, “Honor your father and your mother” in Exodus 20:12. Solomon warned in Proverbs 20:20, “Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness.” I must not treat my mother lightly, speak harshly to her, or forget the place God has given her in my life.

I need to give my mother affection. Just as she showed me affection, I need to return it with words and actions. I should not be ashamed to say, “I love you, Mom,” to show her kindness, give her hugs, offer encouragement, and express my appreciation. The sermon points to 1 Kings 19:20, where Elisha asked to kiss his father and mother before following Elijah, showing a proper affection toward his parents.

I need to give my mother wisdom, because foolish living grieves her heart. Proverbs 10:1 says, “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son grieves his mother.” Proverbs 17:25 says, “A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.” I need to grow the way Jesus grew, because Luke 2:52 says, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

I need to give my mother righteousness, because righteous living brings joy to those who raised me. Proverbs 23:24–25 says, “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice… Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice.” True righteousness comes through Christ, as Romans 3:21–22 teaches: “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.”

I need to care for my mother, especially as she grows older or faces needs. 1 Timothy 5:4 teaches children and grandchildren to “show piety at home and to repay their parents.” 1 Timothy 5:8 warns that if anyone does not provide for his own household, he “has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:16 also teaches believers to relieve widows so the church may care for those who are truly widows.

So I must ask myself honestly: am I giving my mother what she truly deserves? Flowers may be thoughtful, cards may be kind, and gifts may be appreciated, but every day my mother deserves my obedience, respect, affection, wisdom, righteousness, and care.

And if my life is not right with God, I need to respond to the gospel. I need to hear the gospel, believe it, repent of my sins, confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, be baptized for the remission of sins, and live faithfully to the end. If I have stumbled as a Christian, I should not delay. I can go to God in prayer, seek forgiveness, and put Him first again.