Mom Heart Moments #45

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!

WHEN MY BOYS WERE YOUNGER and began to fuss, I read them the story of Cain and Abel and told them all boys are tempted to fight and be jealous, resulting in terrible consequences. Then I would read the passage in Psalms and admonish them: “That is the standard that pleases God —unity and peace. How could you have said that more graciously to your brother? You boys need to stay in this room until you have settled your differences. You cannot come out until you have made peace and have prayed together and can behave in a civilized way.”

Often, the issues would be so petty. “He sat on my side of the cushion!” one would complain as I was reading out loud to them. Or, “Why do I have to clean up these dishes? I didn’t even eat lunch here today!” There was a constant dripping of fussing and complaints over the years, always followed by correction, instruction, words of forgiveness, and prayer.

With the girls, too, much time was spent correcting disrespectful or condescending attitudes or looks —especially in the teen years. No one got away with an “attitude” toward me or Clay for too long. Heart correction was our focus.

This kind of training and instruction can be wearying. But we sought over and over again to love, correct, forgive, and give grace. We always said, “It is natural to fuss and disagree and hold grudges. It is supernatural to love and be humble and give grace. When we live in the power of the Holy Spirit, He calls us to love and give grace —period; no excuses —it is the standard of God’s love and ways for us.”

How’s unity at your house? Ask the Lord to give you creative ideas to encourage those in your family to love one another.