"JESUS COMMANDMENT" (MOTHER'S DAY)
1 Peter 3:13–22; John 14:15–21 05/10/2026
Today we celebrate Mother’s Day. We give thanks to God for mothers, grandmothers, and all those who have loved, sacrificed, prayed, encouraged, and cared for us throughout our lives. The Bible teaches us clearly: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother.” This is not only a commandment but also a promise from God—that it may go well with us and that we may live long upon the earth.
Too often, we become busy with work, responsibilities, and worries, and we forget to express gratitude to those who raised us with love and sacrifice. Mother’s Day reminds us to honor them not only with words but also with our actions, kindness, respect, and care.
In the same way, we also know that it is right to obey God and keep the commandments of Jesus. Yet many times we become spiritually tired or distracted. Sometimes our hearts are not fully ready. Still, in today’s Gospel, Jesus says very clearly: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The commandment of Jesus is simple and powerful: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Have you ever done something when your heart was not fully in it? Most of us have. Sometimes we act because it is our duty or responsibility. Yet God often calls us to obey first, trusting that God will work within our hearts afterward. The Psalmist says, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Obedience often comes before joy.
Jesus continues by saying, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” Notice the order: first comes obedience, then comes the gift of the Holy Spirit strengthening and guiding us.
There are times when loving others is difficult. There are times when forgiving feels impossible. There are moments when worship feels dry, prayer feels empty, and service feels exhausting. Yet Jesus still says, “Keep my commandments.” If we wait until we feel perfectly ready, we may never act at all. But when we obey faithfully, even with weakness and struggle, God often opens our hearts little by little.
Many mothers understand this deeply. A mother does not only love when it is easy. She loves when she is tired, worried, disappointed, or overwhelmed. She gets up in the middle of the night to care for a child. She continues praying for her family even when no one notices. She sacrifices quietly and faithfully. In many ways, mothers show us what obedient love looks like—love that acts even when feelings are weary.
Today’s reading from 1 Peter also speaks powerfully to us:
“Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.”
The Christian life is not always easy. Sometimes doing good brings misunderstanding, rejection, or hardship. Mothers know this reality well. Parents sacrifice greatly for their children, often without recognition. Christians also may face discouragement when they try to live faithfully in a difficult world. Yet Peter reminds us that those who suffer for righteousness are blessed by God.
Peter continues: “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.”
What a beautiful calling for Christians today. We are not called to argue harshly or condemn others. We are called to live with hope, gentleness, humility, and love. Many faithful mothers have taught their children more by their quiet example than by many words. Their patience, prayer, forgiveness, and endurance become living testimonies of faith.
Peter also points us to Christ Himself: “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.”
Jesus obeyed the Father completely, even unto the cross. He loved when others hated Him. He forgave when others wounded Him. He remained faithful when the world rejected Him. Through His suffering and resurrection, He brought salvation and hope to all who trust Him.
This means that when we struggle to obey, we are not alone. The risen Christ is with us, and the Holy Spirit strengthens us. Jesus promises that we are not abandoned: “I will not leave you orphaned.” What comforting words on Mother’s Day. Human parents cannot stay with us forever, but God’s love never leaves God’s children.
Sometimes we come to worship out of obligation, and suddenly our hearts are lifted in praise. Sometimes we pray without feeling anything, yet peace quietly enters our soul. Sometimes we choose forgiveness before our emotions are ready, and later God heals our hearts. Obedience can become the doorway through which grace enters our lives.
Therefore, let us continue: loving even when it is difficult, forgiving even when we are hurt, worshiping even when we feel tired, praying even when words are hard to find, serving even when no one notices.
As we keep the commandments of Christ, our hearts become more open to the Spirit of God. The Spirit transforms duty into joy, fear into peace, and weakness into strength.
Today, let us thank God for mothers and for all those who have reflected Christ’s love in our lives. And above all, let us remember the commandment of Jesus: “Love one another.” When we obey Him faithfully, even imperfectly, God works miracles within us.
May the Lord help us to honor our parents, love one another, walk in obedience, and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. May it be so for you and for me. Amen.
