Raising Kids without Raising Blood Pressure // You Asked For It [Part 3 of 5]

“Since you are children of a perfect Father in heaven, become perfect like him.” Matthew 5:48 (TPT)

To Be Like My Heavenly Father…

1. I Must Understand My Children.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows how we are formed.” Psalm 103:13-14 (NIV)

2. I Must Accept My Children.

“Accept one another just as Christ has accepted you.” Romans 15:7

3. I Must Discipline My Children.

“The Lord disciplines those whom He loves.” Hebrews 12:6 (NCB)

“If you refuse to discipline your son it proves you don’t love him.” Proverbs 13:24 (MSG)

“Discipline your children while they are young enough to learn. If you don’t you’re helping them destroy themselves.” Proverbs 19:18 (GN)

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out all fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

How Should I Discipline?

∙ Calmly.

“Don’t keep scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Use loving discipline.”  Ephesians 6:4 (TLB)

∙ Quickly.

“…for if you love him, you will be prompt to punish him.” Prov. 13:24 (MSG)

∙ Sparingly.

“Fathers, don’t scold your children so much that they become discouraged and quit trying.” Col. 3:21 (TLB)

4. I Must Express Love To My Children.

“What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God!” 1 John 3:1 (MSG)

5. I Must Be Consistent With My Children.

“The Lord is righteousness in all His ways.” Psalm 145:17 (NIV)

“It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father.” Proverbs 20:7 (TLB)

“He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” Malachi 4:6 (AMP)