“Mom-Guilt.”
I’m not holding back any punches here. It is a weapon straight from the pit of hell.
Is there such a thing as a perfect mom? No.
Is there a woman who has gone from pregnancy to empty nest without making big mistakes with her kids? No.
Are there women who have grossly abused their motherly responsibilities and the trust that comes with it? Yes.
Are there mothers who have mistreated, neglected and exploited the children entrusted to them? Yes.
So is there any justification to the ever-prevailing “mom-guilt”?
Simply put, thanks to Jesus, we can reject it with confidence.
I want to reach out to the woman out there who is struggling with the day to day. I want to encourage the woman who not only knows her weaknesses, but sincerely wants to be better. I want to build up the woman who has overcome so many obstacles yet beats herself up on sleepless nights for every single shortcoming.
May I call you “friend”? Listen, we are all struggling. Don’t believe every instagram square and on-point caption. We all have more weaknesses and shortcomings than we dare admit.
And like the sinful woman of Luke 7, our sins are many. And yet that wicked woman went from being devoted to sin to being forever known as Mary of Bethlehem; the woman to whom was bestowed the greatest honour and tribute from Jesus than any other woman, if not disciple!
Would you like to know how this transformation is possible?
If you are in bondage to guilt, or a bad habit or addiction, there is an unshakable hope that is available to you; no matter who you are. This is the most inclusive offer you’ll ever receive.
What is it? It is a divine exchange that comes only through Jesus.
In Romans 8:1, Paul wrote that “therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
No more condemnation. No more guilt. Not now or ever. How sweet does that existence sound?
We know the crucifixion story.
We know that a perfect blameless man, who was equally God, was scourged, disfigured, betrayed, condemned and executed for all mankind. He took on the guilt and the heavy penalty that accompanied it for every member of the human race. And for those who believe in Him in faith and confess it will receive His holiness in exchange for their sinfulness.
We get to receive His life in exchange for our death.
God’s mandate for righteousness was satisfied by God’s mercy.
My friend, there is nothing greater or sweeter than this!
To the believer, do you know that your failings as a mother have been nailed to that cross too? Have you considered the truth that Jesus died for your moments of impatience, temper, misjudgment, selfishness, unkindness, irrational fear and every other occasion where you straight up failed?
To the unbeliever, have you ever wondered if there is truly a God? And if so, have you ever stopped to consider how He sees you?
No matter who you are or what you believe, God loves you with an everlasting love. Since the first dawn, He has longed for the day when He could bring you to Himself.
To the Christian mom, because you have received Jesus, all of your sin has been washed away. This includes your “mom-fails”! You have right standing with God. He sees you as His precious daughter. He is not condemning you for your failures as a woman or a Mom. In fact, He longs to draw you even closer. He is not only able, but willing to empower you to be the exact mother your child needs!
To the mom who is trying her hardest yet doesn’t believe, all of this is available to you too; if you will only believe, repent and receive.
This coming Mother’s Day, choose to set your heart and mind on what is true and reject what is false.
The insecurities in your heart cannot be satisfied with Mother’s Day gifts; be it a vase of flowers, a box of chocolates, a paid trip to the spa, or even a day of quiet solitude. In fact, even the reassurance from your partner or the praise from your children still won’t be enough to permanently silence the relentless call of guilt.
You are only set free from personally knowing Jesus and confidently knowing how He sees you.
So take some time to meditate on Romans 8:1. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation on those who are in Christ Jesus.” Or put another way:
“There is no mom-guilt on me because I am in Christ Jesus.”
Memorize this verse. Then go boldly before God and receive from Him everything you need to fulfill your mothering role today.
Here is a final thought for the precious lady who doesn’t believe that there is life beyond the guilt she carries. God sees you and He loves you so much!
I would like to share a story from Kristen Welch’s blog, We Are That Family. Kristen has a talent for sharing stories that will quickly realign your perspective. This one is for the Moms! Click on this link if you need more encouragement.
Happy Mother’s Day, my friend!
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