Nurture Children, Don't Exasperate Them
Sunday, November 2
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Devotion
Pastor Franklin said in his sermon “Getting Back to God’s Word” that in Rome, children were treated as young adults. They were exposed to the same things as their parents—whatever their parents saw or did, they were right there along with them. In today’s society, children grow up too fast. They watch the same shows as their parents and talk just like them, even swearing at people.
We must save our children from being abused and used by others. They are not for sale and should be brought up to know and trust in God. In Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, it is explained that discouragement, severe criticism, rebuke, and harsh discipline are what exasperate or discourage children. In other words, don’t break their spirits. Don’t make them so discouraged that they want to run away or harm themselves.
Don’t hold onto them so tightly that they have no room to breathe. Once they are old enough, loosen the apron strings. Learn to trust them to make their own decisions. Don’t become an authoritarian parent and demand too much of them. Don’t punish them because they didn’t meet your standards. And don’t be so strict that they feel they will never measure up or that you don’t care. Instead, encourage them and build them up.
Nurture means to care for, support, and encourage your children. Listen to their concerns, help them succeed in their endeavors, and cheer them on. Notice what they are good at and provide the training they need to excel. It’s not just about caring for their physical needs but also their emotional and spiritual ones. Raise them to be strong and mature Christian adults. Model what it means to obey the Lord, and talk to them about spiritual things—everywhere and all the time.
We are responsible for making sure children don’t grow up too fast. We must raise them and teach them straight from God’s Word. This is the only way we will save our children and grandchildren from being pawns of the world. It’s up to us to turn the tide around again.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I commit my family into Your hands. I ask for wisdom on how to raise a family that honors You, that follows Your precepts, for in doing so, I know we’ll be blessed. Thank You for Your faithfulness and loving care over our lives. Please lead us in the paths of life for Your name’s sake. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
All Scripture is inspired by God for instruction, correction, training, and conviction. God’s word contains wisdom on His idea of what a family should be and how to raise one. The book of Proverbs is an example. Search the Word of God and apply its principles. God will honor your efforts to put Him first.
Resources
- Join us in our Free Chapel Facebook group as we launch Global Bible Month—a time to dive deeper into God’s Word together and let His truth transform our lives!
- Join us today, either in person or online via the Free Chapel App or YouTube, for a powerful time of worship and a life-changing message from the Lord at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.