I probably don't need to say this... but...
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't allow your children to hit one another, or call one another names, or bully or belittle one another.
These rules have been FIRM ones in our house, and I am so glad! Our children have always been encouraged to be courteous and kind to one another. (I am not referring to good-natured teasing...but you know when the law of kindness has been broken.)
These rules have been FIRM ones in our house, and I am so glad! Our children have always been encouraged to be courteous and kind to one another. (I am not referring to good-natured teasing...but you know when the law of kindness has been broken.)
The benefits are many!
- The team concept is fostered.
- Siblings learn to be the best of friends.
- Peace is the norm in the home.
One of the first Bible verses that we had our children* memorize was this one:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
And I can still hear those tiny voices with their lisps and their baby "r" sounds as they recited that nugget of gold from the Word of God.
And just as it is important for siblings to treat one another with kindness, it is equally important for adults to use kindness in their dealings with their children, and with one another. Dare I say that there is a difference between Godly admonition, correction, and instruction in righteousness (I Timothy 3:16) and yelling and screaming and disrespect? (And dare I say that I have broken the law of kindness?)
I propose that a house is not a home unless the law of kindness prevails.
And just as it is important for siblings to treat one another with kindness, it is equally important for adults to use kindness in their dealings with their children, and with one another. Dare I say that there is a difference between Godly admonition, correction, and instruction in righteousness (I Timothy 3:16) and yelling and screaming and disrespect? (And dare I say that I have broken the law of kindness?)
I propose that a house is not a home unless the law of kindness prevails.
* Some of my grandchildren have also memorized Ephesians 4:32...which warms my heart.
Amen, amen, amen!
ReplyDeleteWhere but home should a person feel safe, accepted and loved?
I learned that verse to a tune when I was young and that is how I taught it to my kids.
Yes, I have broken the law of kindness in my home too, but when I am kind, my kids are kind. It shows respect to each other.
Deanna
I second those "Amens!"
ReplyDeleteSo many families today model themselves after "The Simpsons," (or whatever other sitcom families are out there now) and even their jesting is filled with sarcasm and disrespect. We tried to focus on building each other up, instead of tearing each other down. I agree, that is a main ingredient to making a house a home!
This is a good and timely post. I always tell my friends and family that people in general can do better and be better and it can start with being kind to others.
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