Whether it’s
the terrible twos or the terrifying teens, parenting is difficult at best. Dick
and I have two children and fostered 18 others. Even at 66, being good parents (and
now grandparents) is still vitally important to us. Even after our children
have married and become parents themselves, we continue to seek out good advice
for parenting (and grandparenting). So, while preparing for a church Bible
study, the following verses jumped out at me.
“We were gentle when we were
with you, like a mother taking care of her children. Because of our love for
you, we were ready to share with you not only the Good News from God but even
our own lives. . . You know that we treated each one of you just as a father
treats his own children. We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we kept
urging you to live the kind of life that pleases God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8,
11-12)
God
points out that good parents are gentle, ready to share the Gospel, and willing
to share their lives. Godly mothers and fathers encourage, comfort, and urge their
children to live a life that pleases God.
Like
many of you, we wish our children had come with an instruction manual tied to
their ankle. Alas, even in this advanced technological age, there is no
microchip we can access to give us the scoop on parenting a particular child.
However,
in addition to my recent find in 1 Thessalonians 2, over the years Dick and I have
discovered some other Biblically-based guidelines that worked for us:
- Pray,
pray, pray! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- Be an
example. (Titus 2:6-8)
- Be
consistent. (Galatians 6:9)
- Love your
children. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
- Listen
more than you talk. (James 1:19)
- Laugh often.
(Proverbs 17:22)
- Teach
your children. (Proverbs 22:6)
- Share
faith and salvation with your child. (Ephesians 6:4b)
- Admit
when you are wrong. (Matthew 5:23-24)
- Do not purposely
provoke your child. (Ephesians 6:4a)
- Spend
time with your child. (Proverbs 29:15)
- Discipline
your child. (Hebrews 12:11)
How
these verses can be applied varies with the age of our children, but their
basic truths still stand. Throughout every stage of parenting, (for we never
really stop being a parent), we need God’s guidance and wisdom. Have you
searched God’s Word for parenting advice? What Scriptures have you found that
have helped you on this journey?
Be
encouraged!
Pam©2019 Pamela D. Williams
writepam71@gmail.com
