It's About Showing Kids God's Love
One of the things that encourages me the most about God’s character is His love for us; and there is no other time in the life of an individual more important than a child’s in which love is needed to help them nurture and grow. As a teacher for about 9 years prior to coming on staff at our church, I found that the students that came from the strongest family backgrounds had a greater chance to find success in school and home life. Not to say that a family would not have its struggles or deal with all the “junk” life throws our way. But the parents that were the most involved in a child’s social-emotional health and well-being were the ones that saw their child continue to make progress in other areas. That’s why its so important for families to begin modeling that love and nurturing way before they step into the front doors of a school at 5-6 years old.
Developmentally speaking, children are way more concerned about the issue of being safe and loved before they are concerned about any other issue. It’s during this stage between infancy and early childhood that the brain needs to be constantly reminded that the body’s well-being is taken care of. It’s the first question our tiny brains are asking when we come into this life: “Am I loved?” We are solely concerned about being taken care of. Think about the main reasons why a baby cries; it either wants food, sleep, or attention (love). And parents are the first example in a child’s life that will model love.
Of course, as they get older modeling love can be harder. The tantrums start, the talking-back starts, the irritability over less important things start… oh wait, am I still talking about children or God’s children? See where I’m heading with this? Unconditional love that the Father shows us is a model for how we should care for our children. It’s not easy, and it doesn’t mean we don’t correct when needed. But that’s how important love is.
God’s unconditional love is selfless; it remains constant regardless of circumstances. In the Bible, love is not a feeling or emotion; it is something we see in action. Love has arms and legs that serve. Love is the disciplined will and resolve to seek the welfare of others. Selfless love motivated Jesus Christ to abandon heaven’s glory. Love allowed Him to wash His disciples feet and willingly take a lowly position. Love kept Him on the cross, paying for the sins of His beloved. God calls us to show agape love to one another, a love that selflessly gives without expecting anything in return.
So how do we do this with our kids, or the kids in our care at church?
Model selfless love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Children need undiluted affection that consistently mirrors the qualities described in the “love chapter.” God’s Spirit empowers us to love others in this way.
Choose love (1 Peter 4:8). Avoid letting your emotions dictate your response. Filter your actions through the lens of love that “covers a multitude of sins.”
Pay attention to how your children receive love. Ask the Lord to help you identify their “love language.” Then find creative ways to express love in ways it will truly be appreciated.
After discipline, affirm your love (1 John 4:16-18). When your children make a mistake and receive appropriate consequences, use the post-discipline moments to teach unconditional love. Affirm and embrace the offender until his or her body language indicates that your love has been received.
Discipleship begins with our children, and showing God’s love to them is the most important thing we can do for their spiritual development. Let’s pray for our families, our children, and our youth each and every day; and if you’re really brave, ask God how you can show His love to them in church, community, and beyond.