Nurturing Our Kids with Kindness

Takeaway: Kindness in parenting helps build strong, confident kids.

Context

In this letter, Paul is writing to the church in Colossae. He gives practical advice on how to live out the Christian faith. Here, he’s addressing fathers specifically about their role in raising children. It’s about encouraging rather than discouraging.

Meaning

This verse highlights the importance of how we treat our kids. As parents, we have a huge impact on their lives. If we are overly harsh or critical, it can lead to resentment. Kids need encouragement. They thrive on positive reinforcement. When we show love and understanding, they feel valued and confident.

It’s easy to forget how our words and actions affect them. Sometimes, we might think we are being tough for their own good. But if we focus too much on discipline and not enough on support, we risk pushing them away. Our goal should be to guide them, not to discourage them. Remember, kindness goes a long way in building a strong relationship.

Live It

1. Spend ten minutes today talking with your child about their day. Ask open-ended questions.
2. Write a short note of encouragement and leave it for them to find.
3. When your child makes a mistake, take a moment to respond calmly. Focus on what they can learn from it.

Reflect & Pray

Reflect: How can I be more encouraging to my kids? Are there moments when I’ve been too harsh?
Pray: God, help me to be a source of encouragement for my children. Teach me to balance discipline with love. I want to nurture their confidence and joy.