“As soon as possible, you should focus on the ‘whys’ of what you’re doing.
Not ‘Don’t call your sister stupid. That’s a sin,’ but ‘Don’t call your sister stupid. That hurts her feelings. Do you like it when someone calls you names?’
The latter is more relational.
When Jesus commanded us to love others as ourselves…he was teaching about the deep connection of empathy. Teach your children that their behavior affects others.” – Dr. Cloud & Townsend, “Raising Great Kids”
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Jesus’ approach was all about getting to the heart.
When our kids understand how their behavior affects others, they will grow in empathy and love.
“Love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22
When our kids are left out
and our hearts ache for them,
Lord, encourage and comfort them.
Surround them with so much love.
Remind us that you are with them and
that our kids are resilient.
Surround them with friends and
give them strength to be leaders.
When our kids are the ones surrounds by friends, Lord,
help them be compassionate,
to reach out,
to care,
to make a difference.
Help them care more about what you think, Lord, than what the world thinks.
We pray they would see the ugliness of leaving people out and the beauty of bringing people in.
Help them be difference makers for you, and
fill them with
your confidence
Your presence
Your peace
Your joy
You.
We pray our kids would look to you for true joy and
have big hearts to want to love you and love others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Isn’t it so easy to compare? We all do it.
But reading God’s Word and praying help dissolve jealousy, and build peace & gratefulness in our hearts instead – where true life is found.
At the end of the day, it’s a choice.
Let’s choose God’s way of selflessness and loving one another well by releasing envy and choosing to celebrate one another and the gifts God has given us. ❤️
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30
Linsey Driskill 