A Humble Mom

Shepherding a Child's Heart DVD 2014Six year old Jennifer has shown a pattern of not responding quickly to her mother. Mom realizes the problem lies more with her than with Jennifer. Mom had allowed herself to be distracted by other things. So instead of scolding Jennifer for failing to come eight times in a row, mom says this:

“Jennifer, please forgive mommy for encouraging you to disobey me this afternoon.”

“Mommy, I don’t understand.”

“I realized that I have allowed you not to come when I called. Do you remember not quickly obeying mommy?”

“Uh, yessss.”

“Do you remember how God wants you to obey?”

“To do exactly what I am told, right away, with a good attitude.”

“Exactly! This is why I am asking you to forgive me, because I let you ignore me when I called. I was wrong to keep raising my voice and telling you to come. Will you forgive me?”

“Yes, mommy.”

“Great, thank you. I know it is hard to obey in your own strength. That is why Jesus died on the cross. His death and resurrection means that you really can obey the way Bible says. You see, I need to trust Jesus to obey just as much as you do. I need the power of the gospel to help me faithfully love you and teach you to obey. I am going to do what I should have done the first time you didn’t come when I called. Then we can pray and ask God to help us both obey quickly.”

Love is quickly and lovingly disciplining your children. Love is humbly asking your children for forgiveness when you have not obeyed quickly.

 

 

Shepherd Press