Lessons from the Minor Prophets: Blessings of Parenting

The Blessing of Parenting: Lessons from the Minor Prophets in My Home

Parenting is a blessing that comes with its own set of challenges. As a parent, I have come to understand that my children are more than just little people who need to be fed, clothed, and educated. They are gifts from God, entrusted to me for a time, to raise and nurture. As I have grown in my role as a parent, I have come to appreciate the lessons that can be learned from the minor prophets in my home. In this article, I will share some of these lessons.

Lesson One: Humility

One of the lessons that I have learned from my children is the importance of humility. As parents, we often assume that we know what is best for our children. We make decisions for them, based on our own experiences and beliefs, without taking the time to listen to their thoughts and feelings. However, my children have taught me that I need to be humble and willing to listen to them. They have shown me that they have unique perspectives and insights that are worth considering.

In the Bible, we see many examples of humility. One of the most prominent is Jesus Christ himself. In Philippians 2:3-4, we read, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." As parents, we need to follow Christ's example of humility and put the needs of our children above our own.

Lesson Two: Patience

Patience is another lesson that I have learned from my children. As parents, we often expect our children to behave perfectly all the time. We expect them to listen to us immediately, follow our instructions, and never make mistakes. However, as any parent will tell you, this is not always the case. Children are human and will make mistakes. They will test our patience, but it is our responsibility as parents to remain patient with them.

The Bible speaks often about the importance of patience. In Galatians 6:9, we read, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." As parents, we need to remember that our children are a long-term investment. We need to remain patient with them, even when they make mistakes, and continue to sow seeds of love, kindness, and guidance into their lives.

Lesson Three: Forgiveness

Forgiveness is another lesson that I have learned from my children. Children are quick to forgive and forget. They do not hold grudges or keep score. As parents, we can learn a lot from their ability to forgive.

In the Bible, we see many examples of forgiveness. One of the most powerful is found in Matthew 18:21-22. In this passage, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother who sins against him. Jesus responds, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." As parents, we need to follow Christ's example of forgiveness and teach our children to do the same.

Lesson Four: Love

The most important lesson that I have learned from my children is the power of love. Children have an incredible capacity for love. They love unconditionally and without reservation. As parents, we need to model this kind of love to our children, and teach them to love others in the same way.

As Christians, we know that love is at the center of our faith. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, we read, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." As parents, we need to prioritize love in our homes. We need to love our children unconditionally, and teach them to love others in the same way.

Lesson Five: Gratitude

The final lesson that I have learned from my children is the importance of gratitude. Children have a natural sense of wonder and gratitude for the world around them. They are quick to notice the beauty in nature, and appreciate the small things in life. As parents, we need to cultivate this sense of gratitude in our own lives, and teach our children to do the same.

In the Bible, we see many examples of gratitude. One of the most powerful is found in Psalm 100:4-5, which says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." As parents, we need to model a spirit of gratitude in our homes, and teach our children to be thankful for the blessings in their lives.

Conclusion

Parenting is a challenging and rewarding journey. As parents, we have the privilege of raising the next generation. We have the opportunity to shape the hearts and minds of our children, and to teach them valuable lessons that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. The minor prophets in my home have taught me many lessons about humility, patience, forgiveness, love, and gratitude. As we continue on this journey of parenting, let us remember to be humble, patient, forgiving, loving, and grateful.