Mother's Day and Father's Day – two special days of the year on which millions of people thank their parents. Flowers, cards, small gifts, and time spent together are expressions of appreciation. But beyond that, these days also offer Christians a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role of parents in God's order. The Bible speaks many times about father and mother, about family, respect, and the deep spiritual significance of the parent-child relationship. In this article, we want to examine Mother's Day and Father's Day biblically and show how these commemoration days can take on a spiritual depth, even if they don't appear as such in the Bible.

1. The commandment of respect, a cornerstone

In the Ten Commandments, the moral foundation of the Old Testament, we find a clear instruction:

"Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12)

It is not without reason that this commandment is placed at the center of the Ten Commandments. It connects the first commandments, which relate to man's relationship with God, with the commandments that govern human interaction. Respect for parents thus forms a bridge between faith and a lived relationship.

Also interesting is the promise that accompanies this commandment: a long life in the Promised Land. This shows that God not only demands moral behavior, but also blesses it. Honoring parents is therefore not an ancient custom, but a form of living a relationship with God.

In the New Testament, Paul reiterates this commandment in Ephesians 6:2-3, emphasizing that it is "the first commandment with promise." Christians are invited to honor their parents not just on one special day of the year, but to treat them with love, respect, and gratitude on an ongoing basis.

2. The dignity and value of the mother role

Mother's Day offers a special opportunity to view the role of women and mothers in a biblical light. The Bible gives us a striking picture of the "good woman" in Proverbs 31:

“Her sons rise up and call her blessed; her husband rises up and praises her: Many daughters have done well, but you have surpassed them all!” (Proverbs 31:28-29)

These verses describe a woman who is not only economically and organizationally gifted, but also lives a life of devotion, wisdom, and the fear of God. Her character combines practical wisdom, spiritual depth, and selfless love. This woman is not an idealized cliché, but a role model for mothers of all ages.

Mother's Day can therefore also be a time to reflect on the immense influence of the role of motherhood. Mothers often contribute in invisible ways to ensuring that children can grow up in an environment of love, security, and faith. Their task is a sacred service that is of great importance in God's eyes.

In many stories of the Old Testament, we recognize the valuable influence of mothers on their children and the subsequent generation. The same is true in the New Testament. The following verse could be cited as a representative example:

“Remembering the sincere faith that is in you, which first was in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, I am convinced that it is in you also.” (2 Tim. 1:5)

Thanking mothers is more than just a nice custom. It's an expression of our recognition and appreciation of the order given by God.

3. The responsibility and example of the father

Alongside the mother, the father also plays a central role in family life. The Bible not only speaks about the importance of fathers but also describes their spiritual responsibility:

"And you fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

In the biblical conception, the father is not only the provider, but above all the spiritual leader of his family. He should lovingly guide his children, strengthen them in their faith, educate them, and not discourage them through hardheartedness or injustice.

Psalm 103:13 says:

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him."

Here, God himself is described as a father, demonstrating how central the image of the loving, merciful father is in the Bible. Fathers are therefore expected to reflect divine fatherly love through their behavior. This responsibility is both an honor and a challenge.

A Christian Father's Day therefore means more than outings and a shared meal. It's an invitation to reconsider the image of the father in all its spiritual depth, to give thanks where fathers live their role with devotion, and to offer encouragement where it's lacking.

4. Jesus’ example of care: love until the end

We find a moving example of filial responsibility in the life of Jesus himself. On the cross, in the moment of his greatest suffering, Jesus does not lose sight of his mother:

"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to himself." (John 19:26-27)

Something extraordinary happens here. Jesus, himself suffering as he hangs on the cross, ensures that his mother is not left alone. He entrusts responsibility for Mary to his disciple John. It is an expression of deep love, responsibility, and respect. Jesus's treatment of his mother demonstrates that filial care is not a matter of age. It is an expression of true discipleship.

This moment can be a powerful example for Christians: parents should not be forgotten or dismissed, but deserve our care, attention and love – even and especially in difficult times.

Conclusion: Make Mother’s Day and Father’s Day spiritual

Although Mother's Day and Father's Day, as modern holidays in their current form, are not found in the Bible, they can be connected to numerous biblical principles. The Bible teaches us to honor parents, value their role, and take responsibility for one another.

These days offer Christians a great opportunity: They can become times of genuine gratitude, reconciliation, reflection, and spiritual deepening. Perhaps the next Mother's Day or Father's Day can be celebrated not only with flowers or outings, but also with a personal prayer, reading God's Word, or a long-postponed visit.

Thus, these days become more than just tradition – they become an expression of lived faith.