The Motherly Heart of God

by Lyniece Oyola


We always talk about God being a good Father, and we should, since it's the way the Scriptures describe Him most of the time. However, there are beautiful attributes of God that reveal Him in a Maternal light as well. This only makes sense in light of Genesis 1:27, where it says that both "male and female" are created "in the image of God." The idea of motherhood comes from God's own nature!

Some of us don’t have the best relationships with our mothers. I didn’t, and because of it, it was difficult to receive love from God in certain ways.  I wasn’t used to being comforted in my grief or pain; I just learned to deal with it or suppress it.  My mother was not very affectionate, even when I was sick.  I developed asthma at age 12 and whenever I had an asthma attack I was so scared to tell my mom because she would get so upset, so I never thought to ask God to heal me.  

There were so many ways I have felt my mom failed me, yet one thing I learned from her was sacrifice.  She gave of herself, especially when she didn’t want to. She of course complained about it, but she did it.  She always gave us food first. She took 3 buses to get to work to provide for us. She moved neighborhoods so we would be safe.  Earthly mothers are amazing and flawed but God is like a gentle, loving, sacrificial Mother.

God as Comforter

Have you ever seen a child be born? As a doula, I have seen lots of babies be born and I can attest that babies come out of the womb crying…sometimes screaming. Studies have shown that after a child is born, it is vital to allow mom and baby to bond in the first hour of life. One of the ways that this happens is through nursing.  A mother draws the baby to her so that the child can suckle, which provides a sense of comfort, care and protection.  

Isaiah 66:12b-13
and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip,
    and bounced upon her knees
As one whom his mother comforts,
    so I will comfort you;

We go through so many things in life but we have a God who desires to hold us close to His bosom that brings us comfort, love, warmth and protection. His maternal heart will care for us in times when we are even unable to explain what we need!

God as willing Healer

I know when my children got hurt I would come running to make sure they were okay, clean and bandage them up and then I would sit them on my lap, hug them, kiss them, and make sure they were alright.  If they were sick I would be available around the clock to care for them until they were better. The momma heart just wants the child to be healed and “back to normal.”  Jesus reveals this aspect of a mother’s heart in many scriptures but the words “I am willing” to the man with leprosy in Matthew 8:2-3a always touches my heart.

A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."  3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing

God desires for us to be healed, just like that mom who spends night after night with a sick child. The beautiful aspect of God is that He can heal in one instance!

God as Sacrificial

Most mothers I know sacrifice their own needs, wants, and desires for their children.  When our children were little their needs were always above mine. I knew that when I became a mom, my life was going to change and it would require me to give up some things for them but in the end it would be so worth it! God sacrificed too and it pleased Him to do it!

John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus gave up His will, His needs, His life for us so that we can have a life that is the best we could ever have! He understood and related to a mother's heart, especially with his own people. Consider this text:

Luke 13:34
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

Jesus' imagery is striking! He feels like a mother hen, willing to protect and care for her chicks, but going through anguish because they are unwilling to come to her. His love for us endures, even when we resist him.

Isn’t that the heart of a Mother? I would say it is!