I wanted to share some tools we are currently using to train our children (and ourselves!) to live and act in ways that bring glory to God (and promote peace in our home). Here are some Scriptures I have printed out on our refrigerator right now--we are referring to them often! In case you can't figure it out from what I've chosen below, we are currently struggling with bickering, tattling, whining and pride. :/ And oftentimes that's me as much as the kids!
Proverbs 6:19 God hates . . . one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 12:20b Those who plan peace have joy.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
Proverbs 17:5b He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 7:12 Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.
1 Corinthians 13:6a Love . . . does not rejoice at wrongdoing.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances.
Hebrews 10:24 Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
I also have a copy of Ginger Hubbard's Wise Words for Moms chart hanging on the fridge. You can get this off Amazon for about $4. Great to turn to when I'm trying to deal with a specific behavior or incident. I also just got and am beginning to read an excellent book called Parenting with Scripture, by Kara Durbin. This is a topical two-page guide to all kinds of character traits and problematic behaviors (ummm...sins). It offers a definition, applicable Scriptures, questions to think about, and suggested actions to take. Topics cover everything from complaining, to death, to kindness.
Well, there you go. My current helps for parenting not-so-perfect kids with sinful parents!
