{The required reading for this meeting was Chapter Eight: Keepers of the Home (pgs. 71-80) in The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace}
If you missed the previous posts in our monthly series, click HERE and HERE.
…
Why should I love my children?
And how?
“Older women…teaching…the young women…to love their children.” Titus 2:3-5
Joanna emphasized that the younger women need to be taught to love their children because it is not something that comes naturally to a mother. If it did, the Scriptures would not mention that young women need to be taught. God understands this and is the reason for such a command.
The recurring theme in Joanna’s teachings is found in Titus 2:11-15. It states that the grace of God {found in the person of Jesus} teaches us how to deny {say no to} ungodliness {being unloving toward our children} and to deny {say no to} worldly desires {having our own way}. The grace of God helps us to live sensibly {not lose our temper}, righteously {choosing to love}, and godly {to glorify Him as a mother}. The person of Jesus gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed {not giving our children our time, speaking harshly, etc.} and to direct us toward zealousness for every good work {loving and holding your child, before anything else –including housework – for the glory of God}. This is why we should love our children. Not because we feel like it. But because we choose to. Because of the grace of God. His grace is our basis!
She reminded us of the 4 S’s and how they can help us accomplish our goal of successfully loving our children:
Be Soft
Be Sensitive
Be Supportive
Study
How to accomplish the 4 S’s:
Use your eyes. Tenderly look, and listen with your eyes, to each of your children all throughout the day.
Use your mouth. Speak tenderly to each of your children throughout the day. Tell them you love them, frequently. Think before you speak. Choose your words wisely. Tell them you are proud of them {and be specific!}.
Use your ears. Listen carefully to each of your children throughout the day. Give them your attention. Respond and confirm their ideas and thoughts. Be in the moment. Connect with them.
Use your hands. Tenderly touch each of your children throughout the day. Stroke/tossle their hair. Kiss their hand. Rub their back. Stroke their cheek. Hug them spontaneously. Snuggle on the couch.
Other ways:
Make each child a priority after you care for your husband. Love them next!
Pray specifically for each child throughout the day.
Get your rest. Go to bed at a decent hour each night.
Think tender thoughts about each of your children throughout the day. Tender actions begin with tender thoughts!
Play with each child on a regular basis. Spend time with them doing the things that they enjoy!
Study each child’s qualities. List each child’s qualities. Do activities that match and enhance those qualities.
…
OK. Sure. That all sounds terrific. But how?
Pray.
Read Titus 2:2-5 and Philippians 2 & 4.
Surrender to God.
Ask Him to help you to tenderly love your children while practicing the things mentioned above.
Ask Him to remind you that children are NOT adults but are children. And they will act like children. And sometimes that means they will make foolish choices {and that’s OK!}.
Confess any disobedience to God in this area.
Download your free printable copy of Joanna’s worksheet. It will help you to personalize and practically plan out how to love your children. Click HERE to download it now.
Enjoy knowing God has forgiven you. Your status as His child never changes. His love for you is forever.
Still need help in this area? Click HERE.
…
Next post coming soon!: How to Practice Self-Control
