 |
|
|
|
|
 |
||||
Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Fathers should carefully consider the needs of their children as individuals, and treat them with the utmost consideration, deference, and respect. Fathers should ensure that their wives are instructed and monitored in this as well, and see to it as far as they are able that their children are nourished and blessed as well as from one parent as the other. Children are as valuable and important at 2 as they are at 22 and 92. Consider their frame and be careful to avoid provoking them to anger and discouragement (Col 3:21) with disrespect, undue harshness, severe criticism, and unjust punishment. Such treatment brings great damage to young people that often warps their health for life, and brings God's severe judgment. (Mark 9:42) Fathers should listen to their children and encourage open and honest and healthy communication. Children should feel free to approach their parents about any issue that is of concern to them. Fathers should share freely of the lessons and wisdom that they have incurred in their experience and relate often with their children on the practical difficulties and challenges of life. It is the duty of fathers to train, nourish, and provide correction for their children. This responsibility cannot be delegated, only the work can be delegated. Fathers must retain an ultimate sense of responsibility for the welfare of their children and seek with all earnestness to teach them and bring them up with the love, comfort, stability, and truth found in Jesus Christ. |
||||