Have you ever wondered what moms really need? Not just on Mother's Day, but every day? As a pastor, I've spent a lot of time thinking about this question, and I believe there are four essential gifts that every mom needs in her life. These aren't material gifts, but rather spiritual and emotional necessities that can transform a mother's life and relationships.

# 1. Respect and Honor from Their Children

The first gift moms need comes from their children. As I mentioned last Sunday, "Moms need respect from their kids and honor from their kids when they're growing up." This isn't just a nice idea – it's a Biblical mandate. Ephesians 6:2-3 tells us, "Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth."

But what does this look like in practice? It starts with obedience when children are young. As they grow older and leave home, the nature of this respect changes, but the obligation remains. Even as adults, we're called to honor our parents "because God made them your parents."

# 2. Love from Their Husbands

The second gift moms need comes from their husbands. Ephesians 5:28-30 lays out a powerful standard for how husbands should love their wives:

"Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself, for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church because we are members of His body."

This isn't just about romantic gestures or saying "I love you." It's about a deep, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's love for the church. As I said in the sermon, "Jesus died for the church. Now ladies, think about that. Would your husband die for you? If he wouldn't, he's not worth marrying."

This love involves nourishing and cherishing. Nourishing means "bringing something to maturity," helping your wife become all that God intended her to be. Cherishing involves "being warm and tender in the care." It's about empathy, listening, and understanding.

# 3. Wholeness and Peace for Themselves

The third gift is one that moms need to give themselves: wholeness and peace. As my dad used to say, "You better take care of yourself. Because if you don't, nobody else can and will."

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 gives us a beautiful picture of this wholeness:

"Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful."

This involves experiencing God's peace, living a life consecrated to Him, and acknowledging that you're a spirit with a soul and a body. It's about letting God control every aspect of your life, leading to a deep sense of satisfaction and gratification.

# 4. The Gift of Salvation from God

The final and most important gift is the one God wants to give every mom: salvation through Jesus Christ. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

This gift of salvation is just that – a gift. You can't earn it or deserve it. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes this clear: "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."

Accepting this gift means acknowledging your need for it. Romans 3:23 reminds us, "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." But the good news is found in John 3:16: "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

## Life Application: Receiving These Gifts

So, how can you receive these gifts in your life?

1. For children: Show respect and honor to your mom, not just on Mother's Day, but every day. Obey her when you're young, and continue to honor her as you grow older.

2. For husbands: Love your wife sacrificially, nourishing and cherishing her as Christ does the church.

3. For moms: Take care of yourself spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Seek God's peace and wholeness in your life.

4. For everyone: Consider the gift of salvation God offers. What's preventing you from accepting it? Remember, nothing can separate you from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).

This Mother's Day, let's focus on these essential gifts that truly matter. Because when moms receive these gifts, it doesn't just change their lives – it transforms families, communities, and the world.