Mothers hold a special place in God’s design for families.
They love, nurture, teach, and sacrifice for their children.
The Bible makes it clear that honoring one’s mother is not just a cultural expectation—it is a command from God.
Disrespecting one’s mother, whether through words, actions, or neglect, is a serious offense in the eyes of Scripture.
Throughout the Bible, we see both blessings for those who honor their mothers and warnings for those who mistreat them.
But what does it really mean to respect a mother?
What are the consequences of disrespecting her?
And how can someone repair a broken relationship with their mother?
By looking at Scripture, we can gain a deeper understanding of why respecting our mothers is important and how it affects our relationship with God.
The Command to Honor Your Mother
One of the most well-known commandments in the Bible is found in Exodus 20:12.
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
This commandment was so important that it was included in the Ten Commandments, right alongside laws about worshiping God and telling the truth.
It was not just a suggestion but a command from God Himself.
To honor someone means to show them love, respect, and gratitude.
It means valuing their role in your life and treating them with kindness.
When a child disrespects their mother, they are going against one of God’s direct instructions.
Ephesians 6:1-3 reinforces this command in the New Testament.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.
God attaches a promise to this command—when children honor their parents, they will experience blessings in their lives.
The Seriousness of Disrespecting a Mother
The Bible strongly warns against mistreating one’s mother.
Proverbs 30:17 states:
The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.
This verse uses strong imagery to show the consequences of disrespect.
It is not saying that a literal bird will come and harm someone, but rather, that those who mock or mistreat their parents will face severe judgment.
In the Old Testament, disrespect toward parents was considered a serious sin.
Leviticus 20:9 says:
Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death. Because they have cursed their father or mother, their blood will be on their own head.
While this law was specific to ancient Israel and is no longer applied in the same way today, it shows how seriously God viewed the mistreatment of parents.
Even though people today are not punished in this way, the principle remains—God does not take disrespect toward mothers lightly.
Why Do People Disrespect Their Mothers?
There are many reasons why people may be disrespectful toward their mothers.
Some do it out of frustration, thinking their mother does not understand them.
Others become rebellious, wanting independence and rejecting authority.
Pride can also play a role—some people think they know better and refuse to listen to their mother’s wisdom.
In some cases, past hurts or family issues cause bitterness, making it difficult for children to respect their mothers.
While these reasons may seem valid in the moment, none of them justify disobedience to God’s command.
No mother is perfect, but the Bible does not say to honor parents only if they never make mistakes.
Respecting a mother is about obeying God and recognizing the role she plays in life.
Proverbs 1:8-9 says:
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
A mother’s wisdom is meant to be a blessing, not something to reject or despise.
The Pain of a Disrespected Mother
When a child disrespects their mother, it does not just harm the child—it deeply wounds the mother’s heart.
Mothers pour their love, energy, and time into raising their children.
They sacrifice sleep, comfort, and personal desires to provide for and nurture their families.
When a child repays this love with disrespect, it causes deep emotional pain.
Proverbs 10:1 says:
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
Disrespectful words and actions hurt more than just feelings—they dishonor the very person who brought life into the world.
Even Jesus, while suffering on the cross, made sure to care for His mother.
In John 19:26-27, Jesus looked down at Mary and told His disciple John to take care of her.
Despite His own pain, He showed love and respect for His mother.
If Jesus, the Son of God, honored His mother even in His last moments, how much more should we honor ours?
Consequences of Disrespecting a Mother
The Bible makes it clear that there are consequences for those who dishonor their parents.
While some consequences may be immediate, others unfold over time.
Disrespecting a mother damages the relationship between parent and child, leading to brokenness and regret.
Proverbs warns that those who dishonor their parents will face difficulties.
Proverbs 20:20 says:
If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
This verse suggests that dishonoring a mother leads to a life of struggle and hardship.
Relationships suffer, peace disappears, and guilt often follows.
But the greatest consequence is spiritual—disobedience to parents reflects a heart that is not fully submitted to God.
When people continually disrespect their mother, they distance themselves from God’s blessings.
Restoring a Broken Relationship with Your Mother
If someone has disrespected their mother, is there a way to make things right?
Yes, absolutely.
The Bible is full of stories of forgiveness and redemption.
The first step is repentance—acknowledging the wrongdoing and asking God for forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 assures us:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
The next step is humility—admitting mistakes and apologizing to one’s mother.
A sincere apology can begin the healing process in a damaged relationship.
The final step is change—showing respect in words and actions moving forward.
Respect is not just about what is said; it is about how a mother is treated daily.
Being patient, listening to her advice, and showing gratitude all demonstrate honor.
Colossians 3:12-13 reminds us:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
The Blessings of Honoring Your Mother
When someone chooses to respect and honor their mother, they align themselves with God’s will and open the door to blessings.
Proverbs 23:22 says:
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Honoring a mother brings joy, peace, and a sense of fulfillment.
It strengthens family bonds and creates a home filled with love.
Most importantly, it pleases God.
He delights in those who follow His commandments, and He rewards those who live according to His word.
Psalm 128:1-2 says:
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Choosing to honor a mother is choosing to walk in obedience to God.
And that is a decision that brings lasting joy and peace.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that disrespecting a mother is a serious offense.
God commands children to honor their mothers, not just for the sake of family harmony, but because it reflects His order and wisdom.
Disrespect leads to brokenness, while honor leads to blessings.
By choosing respect, love, and humility, a child not only honors their mother but also honors God.
And that is a choice worth making every single day.