We’re making progress defining sin. I’m actually wondering whether David is a bit behind in the social empathy department. For awhile, when I asked him if he was being kind to his sister, he would say “Yes,” even though Bethel is sitting next to him in tears for some deed. He hasn’t shown any evidence of guilt (hiding, changing countenance, etc.), so I do think he really didn’t see his actions as a problem. So I’ve been trying to help him. “How do you know if you are being unkind? Is Bethel happy? Is she smiling? Is she crying? If Bethel is crying, she is probably unhappy. That means what you did was probably not kind.” I’m finding he needs concrete evidences of how his actions are affecting others. I’m certain other children don’t need this instruction, but David does.

He now answers the kindness question correctly most of the time. And he came and told me that Bethel enjoyed his teasing because she was laughing. So I started to ask a new question. “Was that kind? (no) Is being mean a sin?” He’s answering “no” right now. So we’ll be talking about sin, disobeying God, and so on. After that, we’ll be talking about God’s holiness. He must understand these before he can understand salvation.

Incidently, Tripp says that a two-year old cannot be reasoned with. I disagree and think he’s just out of practice. You do have to be careful how you word your questions, but simple, short, and straitforward syntax works just fine.

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Filed under: Communication and Meaning, Getting Along, Salvation