Breaking up fights, cleaning up potty “accidents,” answering the question,”Why?” about one hundred times. Add to that dealing with meltdowns in stores, and dealing with someone making the same mistakes over and over. After a day like that, it’s easy to let you mouth vent your frustration, but it won’t make the situation any better.
THE PROBLEM
There are a lot of things you may have have said to your child in frustration that you didn’t mean and that you regretted the moment it came out. But don’t let guilt stop you from moving forward.
You didn’t become a parent because you were a perfect person; there are no perfect people. You child doesn’t even need a perfect parent. What they need is a parent that models the behavior of a Christ-follower. That means asking forgiveness when you mess up, forgiving others quickly, and not letting your mistakes hold you back.
THE SOLUTION
Start today by repenting of any past mistakes and then move forward.
God is a redeeming, restoring, rebuilding kind of God! His mercies are new every morning. Begin to tell yourself the truth. That means getting in God’s Word and finding out who He says you are. Then start to tell your child the truth.
TELLING YOUR CHILD THE TRUTH
Here are three things it’s important to make sure you tell your child. Not just once, but over and over again until they get this truth deep in their heart.
- Let them know that they are a child of God. He knew their name before they were even born and they can always go to Him with confidence. (Galatians 3:26 & Ephesians 3:12 N:T) Talk to them about Jesus and lead them in the salvation prayer if they haven’t yet. You don’t have to be a preacher to help them.
2. Many times children deal with fear. Let them know that God didn’t give them a spirit of fear. He gave them a spirit of love, power and a sound mind. They don’t have to be afraid because they aren’t ever alone. God is with them and will protect them. (2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:7, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 121:7)
3. As they learn and grow, remind your child that God’s Word says their words should be good and helpful to those who hear them. They don’t have to use hurtful or ugly language. (Ephesians 4:29 & Colossians 4:6)
THE TAKE AWAY
Leave mistakes in the past and let God lead your future. Starting today, make time to tell your children (and yourself) the truth about how God sees them!
SHARE YOUR STORY
Do you already have the “Telling Your Child the Truth” scripture card set? If so, let us know your favorite ways of using them with your child!
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