A Mother’s Love Is Precious

A mother’s love is precious—one of life’s most precious gifts. We may never fully understand the sacrifices mothers make to protect, nurture, and guide their children. That is why Mother’s Day touches the heart so deeply—it gives us a chance to honor a mother’s love. In addition, we can express gratitude and bless them with the kindness they so freely give.

For some mothers, however, Mother’s Day does not feel like a celebration. It can bring a deep ache and a tender reminder of loss. I have a friend who lost her only son on Mother’s Day, and while I cannot fully know the weight of her sorrow, my heart grieves with her. It also grieves for every mother who carries the quiet pain of losing a child.

Yet even in grief, God does not turn away from a mother’s love. He draws near in sorrow, remains present in the silence, and stays faithful through every dark and difficult hour.

Scripture gives us a moving example in 1 Kings 3:16–22, 24–27, where two women came before King Solomon to settle a dispute over a child. Their story reveals the depth and tenderness of a mother’s love. In fact, it shows how far a true mother will go to protect her child.

A Story of Two Mothers

Two women who lived in the same house came before Solomon, each claiming to be the baby’s mother. One said that after both had given birth, the other woman’s child died during the night. While she slept, the woman switched the babies, leaving the dead child beside her and taking her living son.

The other woman denied it, and the two stood before the king, each insisting that the living child was hers.

To reveal the truth, Solomon called for a sword and proposed dividing the child between them. It was a shocking test, but it exposed the heart of the real mother.

Moved by love for her son, the true mother pleaded with the king to give the child to the other woman rather than let him be harmed.

The other woman showed no such compassion, revealing the difference between possession and genuine maternal love.

Then Solomon gave the living child to the first woman, knowing that her willingness to surrender him for his safety proved she was his true mother.

A Mother’s Love Is Unselfish

Solomon is remembered as the wisest king who ever lived. In this moment, he recognized the unmistakable marks of a devoted mother’s love. He understood that a loving mother would rather place her child in another’s arms than see him harmed. That is the beauty of unselfish love: it chooses another’s good, even at great personal cost.

One striking detail in the story is that both women were described as prostitutes. In Solomon’s day, prostitution was seen as one of the lowest occupations in Israel, and these women likely lived on the edges of society. Yet this account reminds us that the strength and beauty of a mother’s love are not lessened by social standing or reputation. Moreover, it is not limited by the opinions of others. The true mother loved her son so deeply that she was willing to let him go to save his life.

If Mother’s Day brings loneliness or grief, may the Lord gently remind you that a mother’s love is precious in His sight. He sees every tear, remembers every moment, and honors every sacrifice. The love you poured into your child was never wasted and will never be forgotten. That is because it is held in the heart of God, who sees, who remembers, and who draws near to the brokenhearted. And when the day feels especially heavy, may His peace steady you. In addition, may His presence comfort you, and His tender care carry you one moment at a time.

Dear Lord, my prayer is that you comfort every mother who carries sorrow today. Hold close those who grieve, strengthen them with Your peace, and remind them that their love is precious in Your sight. Amen.