July 27
Scripture: Eph 6:4
Source author: Janet Graham
July 27
Becoming a “Why”s Mother And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord. —Ephesians 6:4
When you have to tell your child no, don’t just say, ‘Because I said so,’” my spiritual mentor instructed. “Instead, explain why.” After I had kids, I started to see the wisdom of her words. When I just say no without reason to something my kids think is a logical request (and kids think every request is logical!), I’ve seen their eyes fill with clouds of anger and rebellion. They assume I’m just being mean and they become surly. On the other hand, when I give the reason, they start to understand—even if they may not agree with or like my answer. They trust me more and start understanding my perspective. Best of all, they start evaluating whether their requests are really a good idea. They even obey quicker because they realize I have good reasons. And hopefully they start to trust God better when He says no. No’s happen, but whether dealing with our kids or other people in our lives, let’s make them as painless as possible to save needless frustration.
Love takes the extra time and trouble to give others the courtesy of an explanation. — Janet Graham —