Topic: How should I react? [Sunday May 10, 2015]
“And now a word to you parents. Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice.”-Ephesians 6:4 (TLB)
The words “complain, nag, scold” in terms of relationships are thought about solely maritally; but this is not the case. Parent- child relationships, especially in the African context, experience this quite often. The children, because of their tenderness, are unable to absorb these character traits like adults might, and so receive the signals most harshly. It tells them that they do not deserve love.
While the intention of the parent is to correct, or disapprove of a certain action, he or she through constant nagging and shouting ends up sending the wrong message. This therefore only worsens the situation.
This is not to say you cannot correct your child, but you must avoid doing so using harsh, ineffective methods. Yes, some behaviours that children pick up may be most disrespectful, but there are ways to correct them; without the constant nag, screams or complaints, so that they may understand and also, change. Being angry and resentful changes nothing but your relationship with them, for the worse.
Sit them down to explain the effect of their actions, how it makes you feel, and how it goes against the plan of God for their lives- which always is of good. Teach them the essence of right doing and how to go about converting from bad to good. Allow them understand that you are God’s stop-gap for them; teaching them right and helping them avoid wrong. In the totality of your actions, never forget to let love show through. Be tough but open, strict but loving. Discretion is therefore needed to know how to act, per situation. You will not miss it in the mighty name of Jesus Christ!
Remain Blessed!
Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
Click HERE to read other Daily Devotional written by Pastor Faith Oyedepo
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