etc....a little bit better AFTER I have received an affirmation of love or words
of encouragement. God's word affirms this:
" The wise in heart are called discerning, and PLEASANT WORDS promote
(contribute to the progress or growth of) instruction." Prov. 16:21
Jesus himself gave us a great example of this in speaking to the different
churches. To the Church in Ephesus he said;
" I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you
cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles
but are not and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured
hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you:
You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have
fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." Revelation 2:2-5
Jesus gave the church 7 things they were doing well before he gave them 1
thing that he "had against them."
In dealing with your children this week (and any person, really) remember the
wisdom and importance of speaking postively first and MORE than negatively.
Jesus is our Creator. He is the one who made our souls and he knows full well
how fragile they are and how to bring the most fruit from our lives. Constantly
focusing on negative first (and/or only) does not create a desire in a soul to
want to do better rather it burdens the soul and weighs it down. However, giving
many words of affirmation, acknowledging all the good you see in your child
first THEN speaking words of correction will bring about more "fruit" from your
child's life.
May we learn well the balance and order of giving our children BOTH.....the
postives and the things they still need to work on being a tool in helping them
become all God would have them be. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link
"I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so
that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on
account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26
