Parents, do not provoke your children to wrath

Times are very changed, we are living final times in which we see the failures that parents have in regards to children.

We see how parents raise their children, how they mistreat them and talk to them in such a way that they even insult them. This type of parents that we are seeing in these times harasses their children a lot.

The Bible teaches us how we should raise our children in the discipline of the Lord, and what we must do to keep them in the word of God. The responsibility of raising children is one of the greatest responsibilities given to humanity. Children do not choose the home they are born into; it is the parents who shape the character, the heart, and the emotional strength of their sons and daughters. If we fail in this, future generations will also suffer the consequences.

If we as parents do not instruct our children to do good, and act in a way that if we are called to attention, it is to give us good news. Children imitate what they see. If they see love, they learn love. If they see anger, aggression, disrespect or insults, they will grow in that same atmosphere, and later society will suffer because of it.

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Efesios 6:4

It is very true what this writer was saying, and he said it because in those times this type of parenting was also seen, as it is happening in this time: parents who begin to give alcoholic beverages to their children regardless of the consequences that come.

And not only this fact, but they allow them other things that can harm them, some give them firearms, others give them white weapons, which they use to kill and do evil to other people. There are parents today who encourage rebellion, irresponsibility and sinful behavior, thinking it is harmless fun, when in reality they are placing their children on a path of destruction. A parent is called to guide, instruct, and protect—never to push their children toward danger.

It is important that we as parents give a good upbringing to our children, educating them and knowing how to understand them in difficult times they may have. Children today face pressures we never imagined: bullying, depression, addictions, social media influence, and environments where evil is normalized. In the midst of this, children need parents who are present, who listen, who guide with patience, and who correct with love.

It must be said that some parents do not show affection for their children or give them affection, nor do they have confidence to talk with them to know what is happening to them, that is why there are some children who are so lonely that they decide to take their own lives. Many young people are crying in silence, wanting attention, wanting an embrace, wanting direction. A child who grows without affection often becomes an adult who struggles with identity, fear, and insecurity.

Parents, that’s why it’s good, if you see your son going through a difficult time, extend him a hand, talk to him, ask him what happens to him, and if you see he does not want to say anything, leave it and the next day ask him again, because he is seeing if he can have confidence to talk to you.

Parenting is not only correcting, but also connecting. A child must feel safe approaching his parents, even after making mistakes. A home must be a place of refuge, not fear. A child must know that he is loved, valued, and understood. And above all, he must know that despite his failures, he can rise again with the help of God.

As parents, we must also remember to pray for our children. Teaching them the word of God is essential, but praying for their hearts is just as important. Only God can transform a rebellious heart, heal emotional wounds, and give wisdom to young people so they make the right decisions. A praying parent opens a spiritual covering over their children that is more powerful than anything else.

May God help us raise children in His fear, in His love, and in His truth, so that they grow to be strong men and women who honor Him and shine His light in a world full of darkness.