God offers you grace but still calls you to repent. You may have to tell your child it was wrong of you to respond the way you did. I did—and telling my son I was wrong didn’t come without angst. If you sinned, ask for forgiveness and commit to striving to be more like Christ in the future.
In the same way, offer your children the grace they need when they have failed or sinned. Rebuke the action, but be quick to extend love, teach them a new or correct way, and show them the power of Christ that is available to them by faith. Following this example of love will create an atmosphere of love in your home. This means you must live in authentic grace, repentance, and love.
Parenting Can Be a Blessing
I know that parenting can be challenging, and long days in the trenches can be wearisome. Make an effort to change your perspective: remember your children belong to God first, and be willing to change how you approach your parenting. You may not be a bad parent if you have yelled a lot, but the truth is that there are better ways to reach our children’s hearts than by raising our voices.
Instruct their hearts by showing them Christ. Let your life and reactions be steadfast, longsuffering, patient, and kind. Taking the time to look your children in the eyes and share a Scripture with them, pray with them, or lovingly instruct their hearts will prove more helpful in the long term. Let’s not be parents who only focus on behavior modification; let’s help form hearts for God and His way of living.
I hope this parting Scripture gives you the hope and strength to follow through on your desire to become a godlier parent. “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights that you desire.” (Proverbs 29:17)
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
