During this month of February, so much emphasis is put on love. Most of the time this love is expressed in the form of flowers, candy, and cards. In terms of parenting our children, though, love is one of those attributes of God that is caught as much as it is taught. Most of you already know the love chapter in the Bible – 1 Corinthians 13.
Love…
- is patient
- is kind
- is not jealous
- does not brag
- is not proud
- is not rude
- is not selfish
- cannot be made angry easily
- does not remember wrongs
- is not happy when others do wrong
- is always happy with the truth
- never gives up on people
- does not stop trusting
- never loses hope
- never quits
As you look over this list as a parent, ask yourself, “Am I allowing my children to catch love as much as I am teaching it?” As moms, our lives can be busy and sometimes overwhelming. When we are feeling overwhelmed and our children ask us a question, are we still showing patience amidst our busyness? When our children are characterized by something that is not pleasant, are we speaking life and helping them find the virtue instead of keeping a record of wrongs? Love is one of those qualities that will reach their hearts the most and make the biggest impact when it is lived out and not just taught. Set the example and when you fail, show love by “never quitting” and being quick to repent. Those are the moments that will cause them to trust you for a lifetime.
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