Many people think and say motherhood or parenthood does not come with a manual. We need to change that thought and statement. While reading Psalms 38 this morning, I was reminded that God in His wisdom has provided a manual for parenting. Psalm 38:1 states: LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. I may not have a full understanding of that verse yet, but I believe God wants us to model David’s petition to his heavenly father. We should not rebuke our children in anger.
Another Bible verse came to mind while reflecting on the Bible as the manual for parenting, Ephesians 6:4. It says, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
That verse tells me that the type of discipline and instruction we use in bringing up our children must come from the Lord. Since most of us hear God from His Word, we have to spend time in God’s Word to receive parenting wisdom and guidance. I love that the Bible teaches us to parent with love and understanding. Most importantly, it teaches us to model what we want to see in our children’s lives.
What do you all think about the two verses presented? Your words of wisdom are always appreciated.