Teaching our kids godly character can be tough. They are in a world where they are faced with anything but. It is important that we prepare them for now and as growing independent adults.
I love the reminder in the quote, “if we don’t teach our children someone else will,” because it is so true. Kids are eager to learn so let’s be the ones to teach them about Jesus.
Last week we discussed Raising our Kids with godly Character. We looked at 7 godly characters to teach our kids and this week we will discuss 7 more. Tune in next week for practical tips on how-to teach them.
Love – Love is the essential command of godly character because all others hinge on this one. After having taught His disciples many lessons, Jesus was asked what was the most important.
Matthew 22:37-40 (BSB) Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Forgiveness – Forgiveness can be difficult. Sometimes the hurt seems too much to bear and forgiveness seems far out of reach. But unforgiveness can be like a disease eating away at us. Teach kids young the importance and the benefit of forgiveness and reminding them they, too, have been forgiven.
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
Gratitude – Gratitude may begin as a habit but the underlying goal should be internal. Teaching and then allowing kids to be truly grateful for what they are given in every circumstance.
Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (BSB)
Kindness – My kids have been on a kick when every time someone does something they don’t like, they say, “you’re mean.” I think we have to distinguish personal preferences from actual meanness by teaching kindness. Teaching our kids what it looks like and why it is important. One way to do this is by teaching the fruits of the spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no Law. Galatians 5:22-23 (BSB)
Serving Others – In a family is a great place to learn how to serve others. Sometimes they are the hardest people to serve. But teaching our kids to love and serve each other in everyday life will be a blessing to the whole family and teach our kids to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
Wisdom – When Solomon was granted the right to ask God for something, he chose wisdom. Wisdom means not only having knowledge but knowing what to do with it. When asked, God granted that to Solomon and was well pleased.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 (NIV)
Communion with God – Through communion with God, I mean to worship in word, action, and song. Reading the Bible, Prayer, and Sharing their Faith. I know that is a lot of ideas lumped into one idea but I believe these things are necessary for our growing relationship and communion with Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. (KJV)
I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. Psalm 108:3 (NIV)
Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Psalm 119:97 (NLT)
How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart. Psalm 119:2 (NASB)
I would like to end this by saying I don’t always do this right. Sometimes we read posts like this and may think, that mom has it all together (even when we know that is not the truth).
I wish I was doing this better. The truth is I am in the trenches of parenting with you.
This is as much for me as it is for you so I am glad you joined me on this journey. This was great for me to look up these verses so I, too, can be the mom that God wants me to be.
I don’t want to leave you hanging. Wondering what to do with all this. Join us next week for practical tips for teaching godly character to our kids.
Personal Reflections:
What is the best way you have found to teach this to your children?
What could you do to make an action plan or be intentional about teaching your kids godly character?
What have you learned for yourself about godly character?
I am no expert, but what could I do for you to help you in this process?
Thanks for joining me today. If you are blessed by these posts, please share them with your friends. I love making connections, so please find me hanging out on any my social media pages.
I am glad you are here. I would love for you to join us at Seeking God Daily. Because a couple friends and I are passionate about sharing God’s Word we have joined forces to bring together a Facebook Group called Seeking God Daily.
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Seeking God Daily is a group that offers hope, encouragement, and support in learning God’s Word and applying the truths to our walk with Christ.
We want to encourage one another through authentic, honest and respectful conversation as we earnestly seek God daily.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
We’re doing life together so come and join in the conversations. You can join this group by clicking HERE! While you are there feel free to invite some friends along for the journey. We would love to have them!
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Jaime, I love this series. My book is a great study of these character qualities!!! xo
I am so glad you are enjoying it and joining us. Your book is such a great tie in to these posts. Thanks for sharing, Susan!
There is nothing I desire more for my sons than to see the character of God working itself out in their lives. And now . . . another generation to pray for with my grandson and soon-to-be-born grand girl.
It's a big job to teach our kids character but we can't neglect something so important.
Raising our children with the intention of raising them in God's Word is the important and hardest thing for any mother. I simply pray each morning that Lord may my children ever see you and grow up to be Godly men and woman for you
Glad to link up with you here as well
Diana
http://dianasdiaries.com
Don't ya just love how what we write about as bloggers can serve to strengthen our lives in the very areas we hope to strengthen others, Jaime?! That's what you are doing in an amazing way here, my friend! Thank you for the linkup and the spiritual guidance you always provide!
Hi, Jaime!
I've seen you around (social media of course :), but this is the first time I come visit your blog! I LOVED this post! It's amazing – I was talking about this subject just a couple of hours ago with a dear friend who knows many moms who have raised children in the admonition of the Lord and who are now away from a fellowship with Him… Your points are in line with what we discussed during our conversation. Thank you so much for this beautiful post. I hope you can linkup on my blog as well! Every Wednesday (Recharge Wednesday Linkup party) 🙂 http://soaringwithhim.com/2017/08/the-power-of-a-simple-prayer-rechargewednesday-linkup/
Blessings,
Jaime- I want my kids to know all these godly characters and act them out in their lives. I think the best way is for me to teach is to ask God to help me live them out in the presence of my children. They learn through modeling better than just reading about it!
I pinned on raising boys board and raising girls board. Super cool that it is introduction of more to come!!
Thanks so much, Tammy. I hope that you were able to see the whole three-part series. I appreciate you stopping by today and thanks for sharing.