A Peaceful Home

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV

Do you ever have seasons of sibling rivalry and behavior issues?  This happens in my home.

As a younger mom, I often expected a great deal of perfection from my kids. I regret it now because I realize my unrealistic standards and high ideals kept me from loving them well. It actually caused more strife.

Sometimes, when we think our children need more rules, they really need to be shown the way.  How we parent plays a big role; we can either lead them to or away from Jesus. He alone can change a child’s sinful heart, and more rules can never do that. Although we must set guidelines, they should only serve and exist because of the greater law of love. In our own lives, we know God’s loving kindness helps us repent and live better. We can pass this on to our children.

Moms, don’t sweat the small stuff! When we become overwhelmed and desperate, we tend to do crazy things we regret later. When a “strife” moment happens, we can choose the high road (1 Corinthians 13). How we as moms handle strife can either heighten it or help diminish it. We can’t eradicate it from our lives completely, but God can show us how to usher in an atmosphere of peace instead of more conflict.

Please know this season of motherhood is short! Now my children are older, and I know this is true.  A glimmer of light beams at the end of the tunnel, and it brightens with time. Before you know it, your little babies will be all grown-up, and your nest will be empty! Give yourself permission to enjoy them while you still can. Live with no regrets. Don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake; remember, it’s never too late to start over.

Below, I’ve listed a few practical steps from God’s Word to help you navigate through times of strife. Though God’s ways don’t always make sense to our natural mind, without a doubt, we can trust His Word. His wisdom supersedes our own by a long stretch!

Above all, remember God’s faithfulness covers even your worst failures!

 

Six Steps to Enjoying a More Peaceful Home

1. Relax– Make an allowance for your kid’s faults (Ephesians 4:2). They are going to mess up, and it’s okay. Jesus already knows, and that’s why He came! Lead them to the One who empowers them to overcome sin.
2. Walk in humility- Don’t parent out of pride. (Proverbs 11:2) If your kids misbehave in public or act up around your friend’s kids, smile and simply say, “So sorry, we’re trying to work on this right now.” Admit it when your kids are wrong but don’t shame them.
3. Respond gently– Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV) says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.” Whoa…this is a tough one, but it totally works! Breathe a prayer as you count to ten if you’re angry.
4. Have patience– James 1:19b (NLT) says, “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Best advice ever!
5. Let Jesus lead you–  Galatians 5:17-18 says, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” Wow, think about that one! Ask God what He thinks, carefully listen, and then obey. The Spirit gives life, but the law strengthens sin. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit.
6. Live in peace– As you apply the first five steps above, the peace of Jesus will reign in your home (Ephesians 4:3b).

With Love,

Mari Jo and the Help Club for Moms Team

Want more encouragement, Mama? Go to myhelpclubformoms.com, our NEW mentoring platform!

Mari Jo Mast
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