My children are still learning to solve problems. One of the scenarios that I see often is one child handling the situation correctly (sometimes with help), and the other child not responding. For example, just now, David asked Bethel to leave his room so he could get dressed. Bethel sat down right inside his door and wouldn’t budge. Another example is when a sibling will say “Please stop” (magic words at our house that must be honored) and the other sibling won’t listen.
In all of these cases, I find myself trying to think of what character quality the correct response exemplifies. What I normally say is “Honor your sister/ brother” and often tell them what response is right. “Say ‘okay, David.’ Now leave the room.” I’m not sure honor is the right action. Maybe respect? love? I just thought of this verse and wonder whether it’s not the right word after all.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
I should teach them this verse. Even Bethel can understand this, and I’m sure we’ll have many opportunities to practice it.
Leave a Reply