Parenting by the Book
STUDY 293
Text: Proverbs 25
4 February 2007
Dear Parents,
SOME METHODS OF DEALING WITH ENEMIES
How do we teach our children how they are to deal with enemies? Many react instinctively along the following lines.
1. Fighting back or retaliation
Many will fight back and retaliate fiercely. Sometimes, the enemy is defeated in this manner. But sometimes the battle is lost. Most times, retaliation would just lead to more trouble.
2. Fight shy
Some would shy away from any encounters with the enemy! Some really fear any kind of fighting, and thus avoid any confrontation.
A BIBLICAL METHOD OF DEALING WITH ENEMIES
Let us ponder this Biblical proposal as to how we may deal with our enemies.
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
And the LORD will reward you.Proverbs 25:21-22
1. Being kind to an enemy
We are called to be kind to our enemies. It is not hard to be kind to a friend, or even to a stranger. But to exercise kindness to an enemy, that would be some challenge indeed!
2. Questions that may arise
Many questions will arise naturally.
a) Would not the enemy take even more advantage?
b) Would not the enemy think you are a fool?
3. Biblical answers
a) God will judge the enemy who repays kindness with wickedness.
b) God will reward the person who shows this kind of kindness in obedience to Him.
TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO WALK IN THE WAY OF THE LORD
Let us determine to teach our children how to walk in the way of God. The best way to do this is to teach by example!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie