POSITIVE PARENTAL IMPACT (2)

“CHILDREN, obey your PARENTS in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord” – Colossians 3:20

POSITIVE PARENTAL IMPACT is achieved in a nurturing home environment: “CHILDREN, obey your PARENTS in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Col.3:20-21). This involves parents modelling Christian virtues and creating a symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationship and a home that reflects God’s Character. Generally, believers are instructed to be compassionate, forgiving, and loving, while parents are specifically called to avoid discouraging their children. Everyone has unique roles, but parents can create positive Impact by:

Modelling Godly Virtues: Parents are exhorted to “put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (v.12). By embodying these traits, parents set an influential example for their children of what a Christ-like life looks like.

Forgiving and bearing with one another: “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another...” (v.13). As parents, modelling forgiveness and patience for each other sets an impactful standard for family relationships. This helps create a home climate in which grace is freely extended, and children learn how to resolve conflict without bitterness or rancour.

Practicing Love: “But above all these things put on LOVE, which is the bond of perfection” (v.14). Love is the unifying principle that binds all together in perfect unity! Love is the foundation upon which all other virtues stand. A parent’s love for their spouse and children is a powerful, positive, and transformative force. There is no greater practical lesson for children than seeing love in action in the home environment. Depending on the handling, family relationships can be sources of comfort, guidance, and strength to draw from in times of stress or drivers of depression: “And let the Peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (v.15). Thankfulness or Gratitude enhances peace and seals the deal!

Living by the Word and Wisdom of Christ: “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in al wisdom” (v.16a). While instructing Believers to say and “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” the specific roles of wives, husbands, and children are spelt out: “WIVES, SUBMIT to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. HUSBANDS, LOVE your wives and do not be bitter toward them. CHILDREN, OBEY your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord” (vv.18-20).

Promoting Obedience through Discipleship: While children are commanded to obey their parents “in everything,” parents are to connect this obedience to a deeper spiritual purpose than just their convenience: Pleasing the Lord (v.20).

Nurturing and Encouraging Children: Avoiding exasperation or incitement, the positive duty of parents is to encourage and build up their children (v.21). Healthy correction should be balanced with affirmation, recognition of effort, and hope for growth.