What James 1 says about Parenting

In our church home team, we have been studying James 1 and I have noticed many ways these verses can be applied to my role as mother. To begin with, James 1:4 says “Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do…” I don’t know about you but I find my patience tested often. Children will sometimes not obey. Children will whine. Children will get on our nerves. Patience is a needed.  Patience is also something we don’t have enough of on our own strength.  We need to ask the Father for help.   I was glad to read in James 1:5 that ” If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it.” (James 1:5a) When I see my need for patience and wisdom it should lead me to my knees. This is an area I would like to see grow in my life. I would like to be a person who goes to God for wisdom right when I need it instead of being frustrated or trying to get help from other sources. Verse 6 reminds me to just believe that God can give me wisdom and not to doubt. When I do this, I see God’s hand helping me. His help isn’t always how I would have imagined it to be but it is fully a part of his perfect plan. So I need to remember patience, ask for wisdom from God, believe and do not doubt.

The parenting advice continues in verse 19. When James reminds us to be willing to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. As a parent, I often find myself reacting to the situation instead of finding out what is really going on. I blame the children for something they didn’t do and end up apologizing. I find though if I listen to God’s spirit within me, he is telling me to slow down and find out what is going on. I am then able to think before I speak and my correction will be more effective. I may also find that no correction is needed just a hug and some reassurance and guidance. This is a New Year’s resolution that I am still working on two years later.

Dear God, You are the ultimate parent. Thank you that you know I need your help, your wisdom. Help me to slow down, listen and to be slow to speak. Help me to model this to my children not only for their sake but for your glory. In your son’s name, Amen