Parenting by Design - April 22

Discipline, Character and Hope

Rom 5:3-5: "but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (NASU).

When our children suffer, whether from their own bad choices or those of someone else, we want so badly to rescue them from the pain or to tell them how to avoid finding themselves in that predicament again.  But, God has another plan - to perfect them through their trials. Character building lessons are rarely learned from the triumphs of life.  Rather, it is the trials in our lives that teach us how to persevere despite the pain.  Taking trials away from our kids deprives them of the chance to grow, build character and learn to hope in God.

The best character-building lessons are learned from trials.  Try not to inhibit your child's growth by rescuing or taking over a difficult situation.