When training our children I find that God is often training me! When yelling (yes I admit it I yelled) at my children this morning for their angry attitude(don't laugh it is not funny) I heard God telling me to listen to what I was saying to them, how I was saying it, and reminding me to teach by example. OUCH! Now I do not yell at me children often but from time to time I relinquish the discipline it takes to stay self-controlled. This is usually when I am tired and I just do not feel like exerting the energy to maintain self-control. At this point I am no longer displaying the Fruit of the Spirit and am in sin. Being tired is no excuse. I am thankful that my Lord is one who gives forgiveness when I repent. This is a lesson in humility as well since I then must go to my children and ask their forgiveness. But God is so good, even during these times He gives me the opportunity to teach my children many things:
1. that no one is perfect everyone makes mistakes
2. that God is a loving and forgiving God
3. that I value them by being willing to ask forgiveness of them
4. teach them about the Fruit of the Spirit (Galations 5:22-23a But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.)
5. to teach my children about my job as a mother, that is is my job to teach and train them according to God's Word and what that entails even if I do not always do a good job of it.
Be encouraged, God is a loving and forgiving God, He is one to discipline His children as we need it. Even when we fail, we can ask forgiveness of God and our children and pray for Godly wisdom when we continue to teach and to train.

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, Train Up a Child