Today I was able to get in some Bible reading before the kids got up (were released) and started in Proverbs, but ended up in James. I started to think about my words and my attitude. How even if my children see me reading God’s Word, but hear harsh words out my mouth, I’m not conveying the Gospel of Grace to them.
I went to James 1 because a particular verse that I need to remember as much as my children need to memorize, was brought back to mind. Now, I’m going to change a word, please don’t get offended. It’s to make a point.
James 1: 19 – 20
“…Let every mom be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (20) for the wrath of mom does not produce the righteousness of God.
I know this isn’t exactly how it’s written. But I wanted to emphasize that this verse is for us as mothers. Sometimes I’m guilty of applying this verse when dealing with others and not my own children.
For instance, my son told me something today that made me realize that I haven’t been living this verse out, but have been doing just the opposite. I have been using a statement on a regular basis that has wounded his little heart. I said “I don’t care”. Just Three words. Three words that have made my son think that I don’t care for HIM. I didn’t care about the mud on his shoes, or that he was sweaty, or that he was hungry. I said those things out of exasperation, out of frustration, and because I didn’t want to be inconvenienced. But in the end what I was really saying was that what was important to him wasn’t important to me.
God allowed me to see this while my oldest is six and not sixteen. by God’s grace alone, I pray that I will not use those horrible three words again.
Oops. That could be my story! Thank you for the humility to share that for our benefit, friend!