Kind Instructions

“Let yourself be led by the Spirit. He will guide your words to be wise, kind, and exactly what your child needs to hear.”

“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:26 NLT

“Brush your teeth! Don’t forget your coat. Why aren’t you wearing shoes?” - Every mom trying to get out the door. 

How many instructions do you think you give in one day? I know it’s a lot. Moms everywhere, no matter how many children they have, or what stage of parenting they’re in, constantly give instructions. 

It can be so frustrating when we have to say the same thing over and over and when our children don’t listen to us. It can be frustrating when we’re looking for the right words to say to our children when they need our wisdom. Sometimes our instructions don’t feel wise or kind.

What can we do to make sure our words are wise? Read your Bible! Align your words, thoughts, and actions with the Word and wisdom will flow from you. When you’re not sure what to say, pray! The Holy Spirit guides us as no human (or Google) can. You might not hear audible words, but the Holy Spirit will guide your instruction. It may be through another person, a thought popping up in your mind, or something you read. 

What do we do when we’ve reached our instruction-giving limit and we just don’t have the patience to be kind anymore? Pray! Kindness is one fruit of the Spirit that is promised to us in the book of Galatians. 

Let yourself be led by the Spirit. He will guide your words to be wise, kind, and exactly what your child needs to hear. 

Action Steps:

• Reflect: Do you allow your instruction to be led by the Spirit? Do you make sure your words are kind? Today, be mindful of your instruction and how it’s coming out.

• Pray: God, I want my words to be wise and my teachings and instructions to be kind. I want to be led by Your Spirit so that my mind is focused on what’s Biblical, not what’s of the world. Help me today, guide me so that I may guide my children. I know You gave them to me to lead back to You, and I want to do that in the best way possible. Thank You, I love You. In Your name I pray, amen.

Written by Cathrine, mom of 4