I’ll be forever thankful to my mum for introducing me to church at a young age. Although she no longer attends, I’m grateful for that simple act that planted the seed of faith in my heart. I’ve spent most of my life going to church without my parents by my side. However, in God’s kindness, he has never left me without a spiritual family.
Over the years, he’s surrounded me with women who have been like mums to me: Sunday school teachers who patiently taught me Bible stories, GB leaders who showed me how to serve with joy, pastors’ wives who lovingly welcomed me into their homes, colleagues who demonstrated grace, and older wiser women who have spoken truth and love to me. These women have loved me, cared for me, and encouraged me. They’ve prayed for me, walked alongside me, and modelled what it looks like to follow Jesus with humility and grace.
relationships are redefined by a love that extends far beyond bloodlines
Mother’s Day can bring a mix of emotions. For many, it’s a day filled with joy as they celebrate the blessings of motherhood with their families. But for some, it carries the ache of longing for a child, a broken relationship, or a mother no longer here. And for others, it’s a day that passes by without much reflection. Wherever we find ourselves today, the truth remains: as Christians, we are part of a spiritual family. Through the gospel, relationships are redefined by a love that extends far beyond bloodlines (John 1:12–13).
As I grow older, I’m beginning to realise that I am becoming what others once were for me: a mother-like figure in the family of God. Spiritual motherhood is a ministry open to all women, whether or not you have children of your own. It is for those who long to see younger or newer Christians grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus. Much like a mother who cares for her children with both emotional and practical support, so does a spiritual mother. She offers her time to listen, to pray, to encourage, to speak truth and love, to share Scripture, and to faithfully point others to Jesus.
Spiritual motherhood matters because it creates a community of care. God’s design for spiritual family offers hope and belonging in a world marked by loneliness, loss, and longing. It is in these relationships that God’s love is passed on, and through them his Kingdom is advanced. Spiritual mothers bridge generational gaps, disciple through lives shared rather than formal programmes, and anchor younger Christians in the truth and love of the gospel.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, may not only remember the care of our own mothers, but also every act of love shown in our spiritual family. We are all called to love each other as God first loved us. Today, we give thanks to all mothers by birth and by faith whose love reflects the heart of God and wish them all a very Happy Mother’s Day.
