Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
When you are close to someone you learn things about them that no one else sees. You learn their hobbies, if they are introverts or extroverts, and what irritates them that others might not recognize. This is most often the case in the context of a family. Parents learn from a young age what makes their children frustrated or excited. Then we must ask: How will we use this position and knowledge God has given us? Will we use it to our benefit, abusing power, proving points, and provoking them to anger? Or, will we use the limited season of our family being under one roof to raise them in the way of the Lord, exemplifying Christ’s love and seeking humility at every step?
Family is one of the most foundational parts of a person’s life, even into adulthood. Our habits, beliefs, and hang-ups are often linked to our family in ways we don’t even realize. We have an opportunity with our children to show what it looks like to live out faith in daily moments. It is not easy, but we seek to follow the example of our heavenly Father who is patient with us, is slow to anger, and abounds in love. He has shown us what it means to sacrifice, serve, and guide. This is more than simply being a good or bad parent, it is about following the instruction of our Lord and living in our homes in a way that will impact the world with the good news of Christ.
- What are some of the ways your family knows one another uniquely? How do you respond to the things that make opportunity for unique conflict?
- How is your family growing together in the discipline and instruction of the Lord?
- Pray and ask God to equip you as a family to love one another and to follow Him together.
