3 Verses for Fathers on Mother's Day
The following is an edited article version of the audio transcript.
A Devotional for Mother’s Day about Husbands and Fathers
For this Mother’s Day, I wanted to share something a little different. It’s not just a message to mothers—but a reflection on what it means to be a good husband and father in light of the incredible role moms play. I know it might sound strange, but I want to talk about fathers on Mother’s Day.
Why? Because one of the greatest ways a father can honor motherhood is by loving his wife well. These thoughts are dedicated to my wife, Jess, and to all the amazing moms out there—current and future. I hope this short devotional encourages you.
As I reflect on my own marriage and fatherhood, three Bible verses have stood out to me. They’ve shaped the way I think about my role as a husband, and in turn, how I support my wife as a mother. These verses remind me of who I’m called to be—not perfectly, but prayerfully.
1. Ephesians 5:25 — Love Sacrificially
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse was actually part of our wedding passage. It’s a powerful reminder that a husband’s love is meant to reflect Christ’s love for the Church—sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional.
When Jess and I are both exhausted from parenting or life in general, this verse reminds me that my role isn’t to seek comfort for myself first, but to serve her—even when I don’t feel like it. I’ve memorized this verse, and having it in my heart helps guide my actions, even when I fall short. It’s humbling, and it pushes me to confess when I’ve failed and realign my heart with God’s standard of love.
2. Colossians 3:19 — Love Kindly
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This one is short, simple, and straight to the point. And honestly, it cuts deep. I know my personality—I can be direct, even a bit didactic. I might say the right thing, but in the wrong tone, and Jess will let me know: “It’s not what you said, it’s how you said it.”
She’s right. And this verse leaves me with no excuse. God commands husbands not to be harsh. Especially when moms are carrying so much—physically, emotionally, spiritually—the least we can do is speak with gentleness and respect. This is something I have to actively work on. The verse sticks with me, and even though I don’t always get it right, it reminds me of the man I’m striving to be.
3. 1 Peter 3:7 — Love with Understanding
“Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel…”
This verse might be misunderstood out of context, but it’s not about inferiority. It’s about recognizing that husbands and wives are different—and that men are called to understand, honor, and care for their wives accordingly.
This verse challenges me to know Jess. To understand why she parents the way she does, why she manages our home the way she does. For example, when it comes to disciplining the kids, I’m very black-and-white—timeouts, quick correction, no explanations. Jess, on the other hand, takes time to understand their feelings, to get to the why behind their behavior.
It’s easy for me to get impatient, but this verse reminds me that it’s my job to seek understanding, not dominance. As husbands, we don’t get to say, “This is how it is—deal with it.” Instead, we say, “Let’s figure this out together.” That’s the heart of the command: live with your wife in an understanding way.
From a Father and Husband’s Heart
What’s interesting is that these are all verses directed at husbands—yet they hold deep meaning on a day that honors mothers. Because how we treat the mothers of our children says a lot about how we honor motherhood itself.
Before I got married, I didn’t think much about these verses. But now, as a husband and father, I see how essential they are. If you’re not married yet but hope to be one day, I encourage you to start thinking about this now. God has high standards for how men are to love and lead their families—and those standards are rooted in love, gentleness, and understanding.
So this is my encouragement to all the men out there: Let’s honor mothers not just with flowers and brunch, but with the way we live, love, and lead every day.