“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
We work hard to keep the tone in our home gentle and encouraging, even in the midst of discipline. God’s Word is truth and it applies to both our children and to us as parents.
But, it’s not easy. It’s not easy to keep a gentle tone when one squirms on the floor refusing to put on his shoes when the others are late for appointments. It’s not easy after the fifth warning to quiet down and go to sleep. It’s not easy in the midst of temper tantrums and tears.
But, who said parenting was easy?
So much is at stake.
Their whole outlook on life, how they grow up and treat others, how they relate to people in authority, and what they believe about God is shaped during these early years at home. There is too much at stake to miss the target.
Strength comes from God. He will give me what I need to parent in wisdom, gentleness and love. I know that. I believe it. What scares me, is that I also know myself – my tendency to move ahead of Him, to try it on my own strength first, to rush into my day full of my own plans, trying to control the outcome of, well, everything.
I cannot control the choices my children make. They are ultimately accountable to God. But, by the power of the Spirit, I can control how I speak to them, what I teach them, and the example I set. For this, I am accountable to God.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. (Philippians 4:5a)”
*From the archives
Wow, impeccable timing. What an encouragement it was to read this. Lord help us in these times when we are weak!
Amen! I find great comfort in knowing that nothing I do (or don’t do) can alter God’s sovereignty in the lives of my children. While I carry great responsibility, ultimately He will work in their lives- through me or in spite of me- to accomplish His will.
Wow, so thankful , so needed this …. Praise the Lord for your giftings and obedience to our Saviour …
On Thursday, January 28, 2016, Glorious Surrender wrote:
> staceyweeks posted: ” “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word > stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 We work hard to keep the tone in our home > gentle and encouraging, even in the midst of discipline. God’s Word is > truth and it applies to both our children and to us as pa” >
It’s only by His strength and through the conviction of His Spirit that make parenting well possible. I fail so many times, but praise God, each moment is a new opportunity to seek forgiveness and start over. He is so gracious to me!!