Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:19,21
Sometimes we read scripture and think: There’s no way I can do that. God knows I’m a sinner, so what’s the point? This expectation is impossible.
“Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Colossians 3:21
These verses should be encouraging; not only to fathers, but to mothers as well. If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, we should want our children to grow up in a household that nurtures their childlike faith and helps them learn about Jesus. However, that can be much easier said than done. We have all likely fallen into the trap of discouraging our spouse or our children.
These verses are saying that when we provoke our children to anger or discourage them through a harsh response or unfair discipline, that it can ultimately turn them away from Jesus. When we intentionally respond with the love of Jesus, we are bringing them up in the instruction of the Lord. Proverbs 13:24 shares that correcting a child’s behavior is done out of love for them. When we take those circumstances of discipline and use the Bible to lead our response, we are essentially “practicing what we preach.”
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” Colossians 3:19
In a marriage, disagreements or fights are bound to happen. A marriage is two sinful people trying to become one - there are bound to be issues. Yet the Bible is very clear about this; love your spouse and do not be harsh with them. Again, it’s easier said than done. A family unit starts with both individuals and their relationship with the Lord. Then, the marriage should be grounded in Jesus. Finally, raising children to love the Lord. Ultimately, if you as an individual spouse are not growing in your walk with Jesus, you are going to have a hard time growing together in patience and peace. Your selfishness and sinful nature will begin to creep into your marriage. A small fight with a lack of forgiveness and selflessness will harbor bitterness and very quickly turn into sin. As a spouse, specifically in this verse, husbands are called to lead their wives. The reflection of God’s love for you should overflow into your spouse.
Sometimes, these verses may feel like common sense to us but take a moment right now to pray and ask God to reveal the sin in your heart. I encourage you to humbly reflect on these verses. I think that we could all probably take a moment this week to apologize and ask for forgiveness from our spouse and children.
“Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Colossians 3:21
These verses should be encouraging; not only to fathers, but to mothers as well. If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, we should want our children to grow up in a household that nurtures their childlike faith and helps them learn about Jesus. However, that can be much easier said than done. We have all likely fallen into the trap of discouraging our spouse or our children.
These verses are saying that when we provoke our children to anger or discourage them through a harsh response or unfair discipline, that it can ultimately turn them away from Jesus. When we intentionally respond with the love of Jesus, we are bringing them up in the instruction of the Lord. Proverbs 13:24 shares that correcting a child’s behavior is done out of love for them. When we take those circumstances of discipline and use the Bible to lead our response, we are essentially “practicing what we preach.”
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” Colossians 3:19
In a marriage, disagreements or fights are bound to happen. A marriage is two sinful people trying to become one - there are bound to be issues. Yet the Bible is very clear about this; love your spouse and do not be harsh with them. Again, it’s easier said than done. A family unit starts with both individuals and their relationship with the Lord. Then, the marriage should be grounded in Jesus. Finally, raising children to love the Lord. Ultimately, if you as an individual spouse are not growing in your walk with Jesus, you are going to have a hard time growing together in patience and peace. Your selfishness and sinful nature will begin to creep into your marriage. A small fight with a lack of forgiveness and selflessness will harbor bitterness and very quickly turn into sin. As a spouse, specifically in this verse, husbands are called to lead their wives. The reflection of God’s love for you should overflow into your spouse.
Sometimes, these verses may feel like common sense to us but take a moment right now to pray and ask God to reveal the sin in your heart. I encourage you to humbly reflect on these verses. I think that we could all probably take a moment this week to apologize and ask for forgiveness from our spouse and children.
Posted in Devotional