Updated from July 2010
Some mornings in my quiet time, a verse seems to jump off the page and sit with me all day. I just finished reading through 1 Corinthians, and this verse in Chapter 16 stopped me in my tracks.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV)
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
Let all that you do be done with love.
On this particular day, it spoke directly to my heart as a mom.
Parenting When You Feel Tired
There are moments in parenting when I am tired. Really tired. The kind of tired where following through feels hard and consistency feels exhausting. Those moments when I’m tempted to ignore the behavior, skip the consequence, or simply say, “I just can’t do this today.”
Yet, in my heart, I sensed God gently whispering, Keep going. Don’t give up.
Parenting is hard work. Training, guiding, and correcting a child takes energy and patience. Staying consistent when no one seems to notice and you don’t see progress feels discouraging. But raising children is a long journey, and faithfulness matters.
Discipline Should Be Done in Love
Verse 14 say, “Let all that you do be done with love.”
If I am honest, this is the one I sometimes miss.
I get caught up in expectations, frustrations, and the million things that need to happen in a day. My words become sharper than I intend. My tone no longer reflects my deep love for my children. I forget that these little people in front of me are blessings who are still learning and growing.
Discipline matters. Training matters. Following through matters. But Scripture reminds me that how I do those things matters too.
A child should feel correction wrapped in love. Truth wrapped in grace.
God’s Grace in Parenting
And when I fail? I remember how gracious God is with me. How many times He lovingly forgives my own poor choices. He does not shame me or turn away. Instead, He gently guides me back and reminds me to try again.
Friend, maybe today you need this reminder too: keep going. Stay faithful in the hard moments. Be strong when parenting feels exhausting.
But through it all, let love lead.
Parenting to Impress Podcast
If you are new to ABCJesusLovesMe and Parenting to Impress, I invite you to go back through the archives of the Parenting to Impress podcast. I believe that in listening to the honest conversations between Melanie and me, you will be encouraged, empowered, and begin to find joy in your parenting and teaching journey.
Take a listen to our most popular episode, then dive into the topics that you most need! Then be watching for new episodes to drop soon!
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