One of the roles of godly parents is to teach compassion for others. Job trained his children to be generous, hospitable, responsible, kind, and considerate and to be leaders in building up others and the community in unity and harmony. This does not mean Job taught his children to compromise for the sake of agreement, but rather to hold strong principles and demonstrate genuine love.
You may ask how we develop compassion for others. We first must experience God’s love and then be challenged to pass it on. Children first experience God’s love by experiencing the love of their parents. The more their parents express love to them, the quicker they are to show compassion.
Assure your children repeatedly of God’s love, even when they disobey. Be affectionate with them, hugging and kissing them and putting your hand on their shoulders as a sign of encouragement.
Today as we teach children about true love, let’s not link our love to any behavioural trait in our children. Let your children know you love them just as God loves them unconditionally. God loves us solely because we are His beloved, uniquely created children. Learn to love your children in the same way and they will pass it on. When you demonstrate love to your children, they gain a proper perspective of God. They learn to view the Lord as a God of love, not unnecessary wrath.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, teach me how to communicate Your love better to my family. Father, I know when I accept your unconditional love, I will learn to love You better, and I can then pass this love on to my family and friends. Thank You for Your faithfulness in loving me despite my behaviour. in Christ’s name. Amen.
