Listen patiently

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. – Colossians 3:21

A bumper sticker asks, "Have you hugged your child today?" It’s a reminder to parents to communicate their love in tangible ways. Important as hugging is, though, another important question needs to be asked: "Have you listened to your child today?" The answer we give has the power to affirm or to frustrate our children.

Consider a boy named Charlie whose mother told him to get ready for a friend’s birthday party. Charlie appeared to resist her by saying, "But, Mom!" His mother interrupted impatiently, "I don’t want any argument. Get washed and dressed now!" Charlie protested again, "But, Mom!" "Just do it," she interrupted again, "whether you want to or not!" After more protest, Charlie finally was shoved out the door with a birthday present in his hands. When he proceeded to bang loudly on his own front door, his mother angrily opened it to hear these words, "But, Mom, the party is tomorrow!"

In Colossians 3:21, Paul wrote, "Do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." If we do not listen to our children, they will become frustrated and discouraged by our lack of concern for them.

Today, take time to listen patiently to your children. Listening is a way to show that you care. – Joanie E. Yoder

Our children need to know we care,

And that we’ll listen when they share;

For deep within they need to know

The way that Christ would have them go. – Dennis De Haan

READ: Colossians 3:18-25

You can say ‘I Love You’ by taking time to listen.

The Bible in one year:

• Esther 6-8

• Acts 6