Greetings from Lilongwe, Malawi

 

We still continuing with meetings here at the mission center. These mama are looking forward to see you soon and they always send greatings.- Pastor Mike in Malawi

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1‭-‬4 NIV

Written by Jung 

Yeah, yeah, children need to obey their parents. It was by far the most requested prayer topic from parents when Helen and I started our ministry in South Africa.

However, it comes with a significant catch. It also says, "Do not 'exasperate' children as a parent."

'Exasperate' means irritating and frustrating someone intensely. Similar words can be infuriate, anger, annoy, inflame, antagonize, and provoke. Do not do these things to your children.

The funny thing is that children are naturally frustrated because they are trying to understand and learn the vast world with immature brains. They don't even know how to understand their own feelings, let alone grasp the situations they are in. Of course, they will make mistakes and mess things up. It takes incredible patience and love just not to 'exasperate' children. Just because they don't intelligently express it to you, it doesn't mean you didn't 'exasperate' them.

It is a miracle in itself if they don't get into serious trouble. When they are in that situation, what they need is your help to navigate this complex world without experiencing trauma or any permanent damage.

Obeying your parents doesn't allow you to have it easy as parents; if they just obey, everything would be okay. No, it won't be okay. It exists for them to trust you, as you are there to help them grow up in the love of Christ.

They deserve it because God loves them.

Also, we all deserve it. If you didn't have parents who provided or understood this for you, it is not too late. That is why He has surrounded you with us, so you can receive it from one another.

Let's share love and patience with one another as Jesus has shown us.