Ephesians 6:4
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Application: 

As the head and leader of the family, a father has the primary responsibility for raising his children. Of course, mothers are not excluded from this responsibility; children are called to obey and honor both (6:1-2). However, the father has ultimate responsibility. In ancient Roman households, men held great authority over their children, allowing them to decide whether their newborns would live or die. Yet, Paul would not endorse such a misuse of authority. He essentially says, “This is what to do, Christian men. Bring up your children (i.e., raise them righteously).”

He tells fathers, “Don’t stir up anger in your children.” In other words, don’t correct your kids in a way that will make them embittered. Be an encourager, not a discourager. Praise them and ensure they know you are proud to be their dad. 

Additionally, raise them in the training and instruction of the Lord. Raising children involves nurturing and caring for them. “The training and instruction” of which Paul speaks pertains to teaching and discipline. Therefore, fathers who have been given the primary biblical role for childrearing (see Gen 18:19) should teach their children God’s divine guidelines at their level and explain them in a way that they can understand. 

We must give them age-appropriate discipline, not in anger, but in love. Discipline isn’t the same as venting. God disciplines us in love to correct our behavior (Heb 12:5-6). We owe our children the same.

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1231–1232.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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My book, “Battle Strategy: God’s Plan Amid Chaos.” It’s packed with helpful insights into Bible study and understanding. You can get a free digital version on my website. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book go to helping children. The book covers the main biblical points and salvation, so you’ll find something valuable. 

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