FamilyFire

Discipline should never be abusive. Malachi  2:16 says God "hates a man who covers himself in violence."

Proverbs 16:21 says, "Pleasant words promote instruction." Praise and encouragement should be principal parts of disciple-making.

Honoring your father and mother is to show them respect. Disrespectful attitudes should not be the tone of the home. Set the example!

Children are instructed to obey their parents in Ephesians 6. It is not healthy for the kids to be in charge in a relationship. We need to step up to being parents!

Proverbs 23:13 tells us not to withhold discipline from a child. Discipline is a form of disciple-making. It's an important and necessary parenting tool that we should not neglect.

We all bring selfish motives into relationships, which calls us to repentance. Philippians 2:3 instructs us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.

Empathy is seeing a situation from another's point of view and caring about their perspective. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).

Part of competition among siblings is a desire to know that we are loved. Assure each child through your words and actions that they are loved and valued.

You choose your friends, but not your family. So redefine siblings as those who will be life-long encouragers. Model it with your family and insist on it with your kids. Cheer each other on in each one's interests. Set the stage for decades of mutual encouragement.

Although it is normal to have some competition with our siblings, we strive to live as friends. Ephesians 4:3 urges us to make EVERY effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8).  God desires for his people to seek purity.

The thoughts that our hearts dwell on should be pure. Philippians 4:8 calls us to focus our thinking on things that are excellent and praiseworthy. We can't control the wandering, but we can adjust our focus.

Ask God to help you keep your actions pure. Our Lord taught us to pray: "Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil."

The words that we choose should demonstrate purity. Colossians 3:8 tells us that we should get rid of lies and filthy language from our lips since these are a part of our old self.

Hebrews 13:4 says, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the sexually immoral and the adulterer." You don't fix problems within your marriage by going outside it.

Take time to develop shared spiritual practice as it is the cement that holds relationships together. Pray together regularly.

We convey love in many ways. Through our time, words, touch, gifts, and acts of service we demonstrate love to those around us.

How we spend money shows what things really matter to us. Getting on the same page with managing finances will be important in your relationship.

Conflict is a normal part of being in relationships. It does not mean you are with the wrong person, it means you are both human. It is important to learn how to manage conflict in healthy ways.

Communication skills are essential for a healthy relationship. It is never too late to learn some helpful tips. Can you speak in ways that you are heard and listen well to others?

Discipling Young Adults: They need encouragement to establish spiritual routines to keep them engaged in their faith and pursue their God-given gifts to advance God's kingdom. Ask about their walk with God.

Discipling Teenagers: Teens will learn to value their faith when they see us value it (especially us fathers). They make it their own as they explore avenues of service and see beyond themselves to how God is at work in the world.

Discipling School Kids:Teach them the truth of scripture so those truths are forever planted in their hearts as a guide for Godly living. Help them see God's big story through Creation, Fall, Redemption, and New Creation!

Discipling Toddlers: young kids will learn to see God at work in their life as you marvel with them at the wonders of God's creation and his care for each one of us. Teach them prayers to thank God for loving us.

Discipling Infants: Changing diapers and feeding babies are all demonstrations of God's love. Wiping noses is sacred work!