Phrase of the Week

We began a 'Phrase of the Week' with our children.  Beginning on Sunday, we present a phrase to live out during the week.  Our hopes are to instill some character traits and actions pleasing to God.  The first one was, "Love one another as God loves us."  I wanted to emphasized what love means and how to display this powerful word.  A child may hear, "I love you," numerous times a day and reciprocate the words; but, do they really know the depth and meaning of the word? 

Well, we focused on loving your enemies.  Yes, I said it.  Human nature wants to curse the family member who continually steals all your energy, criticizes you or talks behind your back.  Also, paying back the ones who took advantage of you, verbally or physically hurt you or neglected you, feels right.  Scripture tells us to turn the other cheek.  God does not intend for us to rejoice in the misery or stumbling of our enemies.  We pray for them, release the hatred, resentment and pain to God.  He will work on their hearts to change and soften His way.  Retaliation will not help the situation.  Forgiving our enemies and giving the situation to God, benefits us.  We no longer hold onto the emotions which bind our thoughts.

"Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
   when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice," (Psalm 24:17)

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13)

We also touched on how to love others.  Love is patient and kind.  Love does not envy, become easily angered or keep records of wrongs.  Love rejoices with truth.  I believe this helped them see beyond their perspective of love.  My son viewed love as receiving any and every thing he desired.  My daughter saw love as receiving the basic necessities.  Love is much deeper.  Love stays strong through hard times, standing firm on His Word.  Love always thinks of another above oneself and forgives always.  Displays of love include calm reactions to a mistake or accident, engaging in conversation not arguments and rejoicing when another accomplishes a goal.  Encourage your loved ones, hug them, kiss them and avoid empty promises.  Back up your words when you say, "I love you."

Read 1 Corinthians 13 every day! 

A second phrase was, "Treat others as you would want to be treated."  This one was fun.  I made out a chart with various acts of kindness listed on the left.  Each child gained points by performing these without being asked.  When they see another in need, they act accordingly.  I created the list with some selfish motives, but hey, whatever a mom can do to get some help!  The list included: share a toy; do or say something nice; clean up a mess; hold the door open for another; give a hug when needed; and send a card to someone.  They turn the points, received throughout the week, into us for a prize.

These children displayed kindness beyond what I imagined.  They rushed to hold the door open for me as I carried a load into the house.  My son quickly took his dishes to the sink and volunteered to clean up after supper.  He even swept the floor after eating a snack.  My daughter unloaded the washer and turned on the dryer.  She got her brother's backpack out of the van for him, while he brought the empty trashcan up the driveway.  She wrote a thank you card to her niece.  The list continues.  These acts help them see how great it is to help one another.  The children think about what they would like done for them, given a situation, and do as they would want done for them.  

Shouldn't we ALL do this daily?  Live by the Golden Rule to set an example for others and remove the 'what about me?' attitude in your life.  We all get that attitude; but, let us turn it around and seek to do for others.  Show appreciation to those doing kind acts.  This will encourage them to continue as they see the smile and joy it brings to another.  Be on constant look out to see what can be done to lighten another's load in life.  It may just take an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on or one simple smile.  Then again, it may take a little more physical work.  The reward is priceless.  God's light shines through you and may plant a seed in another who knows nothing about our Creator.  The love, peace and comfort our God provides are unknown to so many.  Help others build faith and see kindness through His child.  

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)  

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for the lessons taught through my children.  Help me to love others and act kindly to all I meet.  Send Your Holy Spirit to guide my words and actions.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig