Guiding Your Children with Christ-like Wisdom and Patience. WWJD?

Parenting is one of the most profound and challenging responsibilities a mom can undertake. It involves guiding, nurturing, and disciplining children, all while trying to model values that will shape their character and future. As Christian moms, integrating the "What Would Jesus Do?" (WWJD) principle into parenting can provide a powerful framework for making decisions that reflect Jesus’ teachings and embody patience and wisdom.

Understanding WWJD in Parenting

The WWJD principle is rooted in the idea of reflecting on Jesus’ actions and teachings to guide our own decisions. For moms, this means looking to Jesus as the ultimate example of love, patience, and wisdom in parenting. By considering what Jesus would do in various parenting situations, moms can make choices that align with Biblical values and support their children’s spiritual, emotional, and moral development.

Embracing Jesus’ Example of Love

Jesus’ approach to relationships was grounded in unconditional love. He demonstrated love through His actions, such as His healing of the sick, His interactions with outcasts, and His sacrificial love on the cross. For moms, embodying this type of love means prioritizing their children’s well-being and showing them compassion, understanding, and acceptance.

1. Unconditional Love and Acceptance

Jesus’ love for us is unconditional and not based on our performance or behavior. Similarly, moms can strive to love their children unconditionally, regardless of their achievements or mistakes. This involves creating an environment where children feel secure and valued, knowing that their worth is not dependent on their actions.

2. Expressing Affection and Encouragement

Jesus often expressed His love through words of affirmation and encouragement. Moms can follow this example by frequently offering praise and positive reinforcement. Acknowledging their children’s efforts, achievements, and character traits fosters a sense of self-worth and motivates them to continue growing and improving.

3. Practicing Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a central theme in Jesus’ teachings. He forgave those who wronged Him and taught us to do the same. When children make mistakes or act out, moms can respond with forgiveness rather than anger or punishment. This approach not only reflects Jesus’ love but also teaches children the importance of grace and reconciliation in their relationships.

Demonstrating Patience as Jesus Did

Patience is another key aspect of Jesus’ character. He showed remarkable patience with His disciples, despite their misunderstandings and shortcomings. Moms can emulate this patience in their interactions with their children, recognizing that growth and learning take time.

1. Remaining Calm During Difficult Moments

Parenting often involves challenging moments, such as tantrums, disagreements, and defiance. By maintaining calm and composed, moms can model the patience that Jesus exhibited. This approach helps de-escalate situations and teaches children how to handle frustration and conflict in a constructive manner.

2. Understanding Developmental Stages

Jesus’ patience also involved understanding and meeting people where they were. Similarly, moms can practice patience by recognizing and respecting their children’s developmental stages. Tailoring expectations and responses to a child’s age and maturity level ensures that discipline and guidance are appropriate and effective.

3. Providing Consistent Support

Just as Jesus consistently supported and guided His followers, moms can offer consistent support to their children. This involves being present, attentive, and responsive to their needs and challenges. Consistent support helps children feel secure and valued, reinforcing their trust and reliance on their parents.

Applying Wisdom in Parenting Decisions

Wisdom is a crucial component of Jesus’ teachings and actions. He often made decisions that reflected deep understanding and insight, guided by His relationship with the Father. Moms can seek to apply this same wisdom in their parenting decisions, ensuring that their choices align with Biblical principles and support their children’s overall growth.

1. Seeking Guidance Through Prayer

Jesus frequently withdrew to pray and seek guidance from God. Moms can adopt a similar practice by praying for wisdom in their parenting decisions. Asking for God’s guidance helps ensure that decisions are aligned with His will and provides clarity on how to address various parenting challenges.

2. Using Biblical Principles

Incorporating Biblical principles into parenting decisions involves aligning choices with Scripture. For instance, Proverbs 22:6 advises, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Moms can use such principles as a foundation for making decisions that foster their children’s spiritual and moral development.

3. Seeking Counsel from Others

Jesus often sought counsel from the Father and His disciples. Similarly, moms can benefit from seeking advice and support from trusted mentors, pastors, or fellow Christian moms. Sharing experiences and gaining insights from others can provide valuable perspectives and help in making informed decisions.

Modeling Christ-like Behavior

Modeling behavior is one of the most effective ways to teach children. By embodying Christ-like behavior, moms set a powerful example for their children to follow.

1. Leading by Example

Children learn by observing their parents. Moms who model Christ-like behavior in their interactions with others, in their work ethic, and in their personal conduct provide a tangible example for their children. This includes demonstrating honesty, kindness, humility, and respect.

2. Teaching Through Actions

Jesus used parables and actions to teach important lessons. Moms can teach their children about Christian values through everyday actions and experiences. For example, volunteering as a family or practicing generosity can illustrate the importance of serving others and living out one’s faith.

3. Encouraging Reflection and Discussion

Creating opportunities for reflection and discussion helps children understand the principles behind Christ-like behavior. Engaging in conversations about Biblical stories, Jesus’ teachings, and their application in daily life encourages children to think critically and develop their own understanding of Christian values.

Navigating Challenges with Grace

Parenting is filled with challenges that require grace and resilience. Embracing the WWJD principle helps moms navigate these challenges with grace, offering a model of how to respond to difficulties in a Christ-like manner.

1. Handling Disagreements and Conflict

Jesus handled disagreements and conflicts with grace and wisdom. When addressing conflicts between children or disagreements with a partner, moms can approach these situations with a spirit of reconciliation and understanding. This involves listening, empathizing, and seeking solutions that honor everyone involved.

2. Balancing Discipline with Compassion

Discipline is an essential part of parenting, but it should be balanced with compassion. Jesus’ approach to correction involved guidance and instruction rather than harsh punishment. Moms can incorporate this balance by providing constructive feedback and using discipline as an opportunity for teaching and growth.

3. Reflecting on Personal Growth

Parenting is a journey of personal growth for moms as well. Reflecting on one’s own actions and attitudes, and seeking to grow in areas where improvement is needed, aligns with the process of sanctification described in Scripture. By striving to reflect Jesus’ character, moms enhance their effectiveness as parents and role models.

Encouraging Spiritual Growth in Children

One of the most important aspects of parenting is nurturing a child’s spiritual growth. By applying the WWJD principle, moms can create an environment that supports and encourages their children’s faith development

1. Creating a Spiritual Environment

Creating a home environment that reflects Christian values involves incorporating prayer, worship, and Bible study into daily routines. Jesus emphasized the importance of worship and devotion, and moms can foster a similar atmosphere in their homes by setting aside time for spiritual activities and discussions.

2. Encouraging Personal Faith

Encouraging children to develop their own relationship with Jesus involves supporting their personal faith journey. This can include providing opportunities for them to engage in worship, prayer, and service, as well as discussing their spiritual questions and experiences.

3. Celebrating Faith Milestones

Celebrating milestones in a child’s spiritual journey, such as baptism or confirmation, reinforces the importance of their faith development. Moms can use these moments to affirm their children’s commitment to Christ and encourage them to continue growing in their relationship with Him.

Guiding children with Christ-like wisdom and patience is a profound and rewarding aspect of parenting. By embracing the WWJD principle, moms can navigate the complexities of parenting with love, patience, and wisdom, reflecting Jesus’ teachings in their decisions and interactions. This approach not only supports their children’s growth but also strengthens their own spiritual journey, creating a nurturing environment where faith and values can thrive. Jesus delights in the dedication and effort of moms, and through His example, they can find the guidance and inspiration needed to fulfill their important role as parents.