Counsel #17 — God’s Love Model

Picture: Counsel #17 — God’s Love ModelCR 128.1

Every parent can expect their child to act out or test boundaries at some point. Whether behavioral issues are frequent or occasional, how we respond to these challenges greatly impacts our relationship with our child. The first step in addressing behavioral issues is understanding the reasons behind the actions.CR 128.2

Children, especially teenagers, may act out for various reasons, some of which may not be immediately obvious to parents. For instance, some teens may struggle with peer pressure, while others might be dealing with personal issues they’re not ready to share. Whatever the reason, it’s important to approach discipline by modeling God’s love and patience, rather than jumping straight to punishment. When parents reflect God’s love in their responses, teens are reminded of the trustworthiness of God’s love. By communicating from a place of grace and understanding, you build a foundation of respect and trust that can help with navigating future challenges together.^{[122]https://adventistreview.org/lifestyles/family/we-have-teenagers-please-help/}CR 128.3

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 NIVCR 128.4

“Every Christian home should have rules; and parents should, in their words and deportment toward each other, give to the children a precious, living example of what they desire them to be. Purity in speech and true Christian courtesy should be constantly practiced.” Ellen White in The Adventist Home, p. 2CR 128.5

Reflect: How can you reflect Godly principles in the way you discipline your child?CR 128.6