FRIDAY August 13, 2021

Fathers, Do not Provoke Children

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

Consider how many children in this world are left discouraged and broken because of fathers who are always tearing them down, instead of building them up. Children are described in Scripture as a gift from God. They are to be viewed as a reward and a blessing from the Lord:

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate (Psalm 127:3-5).

Fathers have a big responsibility in the home. God’s Word needs to be passed on to the next generation. Our children are the next leaders in the church! Fathers have a great responsibly to diligently teach, admonish and lovingly discipline their children. Take the time to pray and communicate with them, and be sensitive to their needs. Children are starving for love and affection today.

Understand, the greatest disciples in your home are your children. Make the time to pour into your children by teaching them Bible stories so that they can relate these lessons of faith to their own lives. As they grow up learning about the heroes of faith: Daniel, David and Moses, they will know and trust the Lord. Your children will walk in God’s ways.

A father creates a pattern for his children to follow. Children watch, listen and learn by example. They see how their father is treating and speaking to their mother. Father’s must set a good standard for them by showing Christ’s love toward their wife. Children imitate a parent’s behavior. They will do what you do! Father’s be an example to your children. Let them see your godly conduct, your longsuffering, your love and patience.

The greatest tribute a boy can give to his father is to say, ‘When I grow up, I want to be just like my dad.’ It is a convicting responsibility for us fathers and grandfathers.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!