Good gravy! It’s an understatement to say that parenting is challenging today!
Knowing how to encourage our kids to hold firmly to a faith that says there IS absolute truth when all around them people and organizations tell them otherwise, is exceedingly hard.
Our children are constantly inundated with ideas and ideologies that go counter to God’s Word. And on the surface, some of those ideas almost seem more gracious than our own – until we take the time to dig deeper into the consequences, realities, and truth.
I have five children ranging in age from 15 to 28.
Each one has, at times, wondered and wrestled with their faith as they talk with friends or coworkers, read social media posts, and watch any form of entertainment or news.
But having open communication with my kids, a willingness to listen without judgment, and having a (mostly) gentle approach to discussions and disagreements has made a huge impact on my ability to effectively talk through issues with them.
I definitely don’t have all the answers on walking this path perfectly… or even graciously and faithfully all the time. But thankfully, God does and His Word gives us answers.
How to Model Loveable
Like you, there have been plenty of times when I haven’t known how to deal with the intricacies of all the issues my children are facing. But I do know that ultimately, we are called to love both God and others.
So what does loving others look like in this volatile world of disagreement and anger?
Here are five things to focus on when we’re facing the challenge of loving those who aren’t as lovable as we’d like:
- Remember we are all in this together. Recognize that we are all made in the image of God, and we all fall short of the glory of God. Therefore, we must treat others with grace, compassion, and love. (see Genesis 1:27, Romans 3:23)
- Recognize we need more wisdom than we have Pursue wisdom in prayer and God’s word before we engage in controversial discussions with our children or others. (see James 1:5, Proverbs 4:7)
- Remain calm and kind in the face of challenges. Be sure to be able to give an answer with gentleness and respect for what we believe and why we believe it. (see 1 Peter 3:15, Proverbs 22:11)
- React to difficulties without rage or revenge. Do not sin in our anger or repay evil with anything but a blessing. (see Ephesians 4:26-27, 1 Peter 3:8)
- Represent Jesus by choosing love and graciousness. Live lives of gentleness, quietness, humility, and strength so that others will see the difference and wonder why. (see 1 Peter 3:4, 8)
I struggle with each of these at time. (Who am I kidding? All the time.) But God knows that we are a work in progress. And every time we practice this principles, we’re setting an example for our kids.
Living a life that reflects Jesus’ love and compassion to others is not easy, but it is our calling and our privilege. As we model Christ-like behavior, our children will learn and grow in their own faith and witness, too.
Sue Birdseye is an author and communicator who shares the adventures she has on her unexpected journey of single parenting. She went from the typical “picket fence” kind of life to being a single mom to five beautiful children. She has learned what it means to be totally dependent upon the Lord and how beautiful that dependence is. Her change of life circumstances has led to a passionate desire to encourage and bless other moms no matter their life circumstances. She has been active in her community as a foster/adoptive mom and public school teacher. She has also been part of her church’s worship, discipleship, women’s, and children’s ministries. She is an avid book reader, a game night hoster, and an early morning writer. Her book “When Happily Ever After Shatters” is the story of how God stepped into her life and the lives of her children just when everything seemed to be falling apart. She hopes that her writing will encourage, bless, and maybe even make someone smile.