Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Nurtuirng Children’s Faith

Bible Reading:  Ephesians 6:1-4

 

Key Verse: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4


DEVOTION

Meditating Ephesians 6:1-4  may take us back to our childhood days when parents and grandparents played a major role in upbringing younger kids. In the middle of their busy schedules for the day-to-day living, our parents made sure that their children are getting spiritual and moral upliftment. They used to go to church every Sunday and attend cottage prayers, and at the same time, helped others generously in need with whatever they had in their hand.  These memories encourage today’s parents to understand that it is a huge responsibility that was graciously granted and passed on to them by the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4 addresses both parents and children. Paul calls us, the parents, to do two things:

(1)  Do not exasperate (irritate or frustrate intensely) your children to do the right things. If you do so, they will become discouraged, as Paul mentions in Colossians 3:21. The best example of that kind of parent is the father of the prodigal son. He had every right to treat his son harshly, and to reject him. But he didn’t treat his son as he deserved. 

 (2) Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. This action includes a great call for all parents to embrace the responsibility of correcting and disciplining their children, and to teach our children about Jesus. In Proverbs 13:24, it is written that if you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them

As a Christian parent, we should treat our children the same way that God treats his kids.

 

PRAYER

Our heavenly and loving Father, we thank you for the privilege given as being a parent. We pray that you strengthen and guide us in all our ways to treat our children in the same way how you treat us. We submit all the children in your hands and pray for none of them getting lost out of your way. Amen.
 

Thought of the day

When raising children's faith, it's important to be gentle and loving in both words and actions. The goal is to inspire children with God's Truth, not break their spirits.
 

Siji Anish George
Carmel Mar Thoma Church, Boston

 

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