Sadness on Mother’s Day

This morning, Kristin wrote to encourage mothers who have lost children to death. Some of you, while you have not been touched by tragedy of this magnitude, may feel as if you have lost a child. You have a wayward son or daughter. Maybe they are not a Christian and are mired in sin. Maybe they are even angry and bitter toward you.

You spent a lifetime caring for them, praying for them, teaching them God’s Word, and hoping they would become followers of Christ. And yet, they have chosen to pursue their own selfish desires instead. So Mother’s Day brings to the surface a host of conflicting temptations—guilt, fear, anger, and maybe even despair.

If you dread this day as a reminder of your greatest earthly sorrow, may I remind you of the gospel?  For no matter how “far gone” you think your child is or how great your temptations, there is hope in Christ.

You may not have been a perfect mother (none of us have!), but if you have repented from your sin and put your trust in Christ, you have a perfect Savior, and you are clothed in His righteousness. So instead of a Mother’s Day spent ruminating on your failure, rejoice instead in the forgiveness and mercy of our Lord.

And take heart. This same mercy and forgiveness is powerful enough to reach your child—no matter how far away from Christ they are trying to run. Tedd Tripp, author of Shepherding a Child’s Heart penned these encouraging words:

“You have reason for hope as parents who desire to see your children have faith. The hope is in the power of the gospel. The gospel is suited to the human condition. The gospel is attractive. God has already shown great mercy to your children. He has given them a place of rich privilege. He has placed them in a home where they have heard His truth. They have seen the transforming power of grace in their lives of His people. Your prayer and expectation is that the gospel will overcome their resistance as it has yours.” 

So may your heart be lightened by hope this Mother’s Day. And may you continue to pray in faith that God’s love and mercy will overcome your wayward child’s resistance, as it has yours.

Update: I think you'll also find this recent post by Abraham Piper--"12 Ways to Love Your Wayward Child"--to be both instructive and encouraging.