Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
The old golden “do unto others” rule is golden for a reason. This sums up how we should act in so many aspects of our life: business, relationships, church, school, social encounters…and even parenting. The verse definitely affirms what God has taught me about modeling the behaviors I want my children to exhibit to others. I think we take it for granted that we have to follow this rule when interacting with peers, but it is all to easily forgotten when interacting with our own children.
When I read this verse, and the surrounding passage, I realized that it most definitely applies to parenting and becoming a Quiet Grace Filled Mother. The verse should also be a steady influence in how my home is run. If I want my children to respond to me in a respectful tone, I have to respond to them in the same manner. Do they deserve respect even though they are smaller, younger than me, and on some days just plain outright naughty? Yes, I believe they do. Those little ones are God’s workmanship, and just as important to Him as I am. By respect, I mean that they deserve to be spoken to in an even and understandable tone. If correction is needed, it should be given in a manner that is firm but not irate. This is definitely a hard one for me, especially when my crew has pushed my very limits of frustration. It is an extreme effort in self (or should I say God) control to maintain a peaceful tone in my voice. I’ve been practicing, and it is paying off.
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