Parenting Part I: Beware of Provoking
Col. 3:21 “Fathers (moms too:), do not exasperate (stir up) your children. That they may not lose heart and become discouraged.”
Fathers (moms too) are
- Not to discourage but develop their children.
- Not enrage but encourage.
- Not build resentment but respect.
- Speaking Hastily Not Wisely
- Making Promises and Not Following Through
- Focusing Only On Mistakes and Failing to Praise the Positive
- Expecting Perfection and Not Valuing Effort (unrealistic goals/parents' goals for sports, career, etc)
- Playing Favorites Instead of Valuing Differences
- Discounting Concerns Instead of Taking an Interest (learn to listen over lecturing)
- Through Physical, Emotional, or Verbal Abuse Breaking Trust Not Building Trust
- Being Overprotective Instead of Creating Room for Responsible Decision Making (must give them room to grow)
- Giving Them Things Not Giving Them Your Time
- Unwilling to Hold Them Accountable When They Need You Most
A personal sin that causes a father/mother to not be filled with the Holy Spirit creates anger within those entrusted to them. Immorality in a father/mother can create anger, resentment, and bitterness in a child. The simple solution? Be willing to confess sin to God and make it right with others.
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