"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

I really want to be a great mom. I want to raise kids who love the Lord, are respectful, kind, smart and all the other things we want for our kids.

So, I pray. I read parenting books. I teach manners, kiss the skinned knees and help my teen process her first broken heart. I plan the family dinners, the date nights, the vacations. I keep track of who needs what and when. I set the appointments and the discipline parameters and the alarm clock so we can get up and do it all again tomorrow.

And through every minute, I am hyper aware of my frailties and faults.

My heart wants to be incredibly patient and organized and excited about reading books out loud.

But then I get tired. And over-extended. And suddenly my day finds me getting snappy, losing track of all those papers sent home from school and skipping pages to hurry to the end of the book that started off with such promise.

There is a gap between my desires and my reality.

I bet this is true for many moms, so we should all understand those hard places, right? But somewhere in the day-to-day, we can forget how important it is to support each other as moms and sisters in Christ. We can forget the need to foster a sense of community. And as soon as we forget these things, it's much easier for thoughts of judgment to creep in.

In those moments, it's crucial to remember that being a source of encouragement for others is biblical. Our key verse, Hebrews 3:13 tells us to "encourage one another daily" so that we aren't "hardened by sin's deceitfulness" which causes us to unfairly judge others.

So, I was just wondering if we might all make a little pact together today.

A pact to build each other up. To not judge one another. Ever. Even when we parent differently. Even when my kids act like I never taught them manners.

Might you give me the benefit of the doubt? Just assume it's a bad moment, but this isn't an indication of all our moments.

And then I'll give you the benefit of the doubt when your child messes up.

Or when I hear you snap in Target and make threats to your kids that betray every good intention you had that morning. When you prayed. And read the parenting books. And taught manners, kissed skinned knees, planned the dinner, and all the other zillions of things you did so well.

Instead of judging you, I will love you.

And maybe you can love me too.

Moms, let's pledge to build each other up instead of tearing each other down. Most of us are desperately trying to do this mothering thing right.

Dear Lord, forgive me for not extending grace at times to others. I am a woman who desperately needs it, so I should be a woman who freely offers it. Help me to build others up and to love them as You love us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:

Being a mom is hard work, and certainly can't be done in our own strength! Learn to look to the Lord for what you need each new day with Lysa TerKeurst's book, Am I Messing Up My Kids? - and Other Questions Every Mom Asks. Get your copy today.

For more encouragement for your mama heart, follow Lysa on Facebook!

REFLECT AND RESPOND:

This Mother's Day weekend, think of a mom you know who really needs encouragement and support in this season of her life.

Make a list of three things you could do or say over the next few weeks that would communicate intentionality and show her love.



 

© 2015 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.