Handle With Care
Handle with Care
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won’t become discouraged. (Col. 3:21)
Heavy-Handed
Becoming upset when our children disobey or disappoint us is natural. But how we express that anger can serve to either train the child or cause him to lose heart. Fathers can exasperate their children by being too demanding, too controlling, too critical, or by trying to impose their own interests.
It doesn’t even take words to communicate an unloving message; sometimes a look says it all. Dads can send a harsh message by withholding attention, by being insensitive, or by not showing an interest in what the child finds exciting.
Tenderhearted
Paul points out the consequence of exasperating our kids in how we express displeasure, how we enforce rules, and how we nurture them. Children growing up in harsh, stressful environments may become discouraged and lose heart. Their confidence to make decisions, their freedom to develop their gifts, and their ability to receive love are all impacted by how we handle our anger with them and exercise authority in the home. More important, the nurture and forbearance we show our children will likely impact how they relate to their heavenly Father.
As the perfect model Jesus showed people their worth to God even when they made mistakes or lacked wisdom and maturity. The consequences of not following His example can be severe. Be careful. Be kinder.
Bottom Line
Strive to be as gracious, gentle, forgiving, and patient with your children as God is with you.