Begin with thanksgiving

 24 Sep 25

Today's devotional: taken from YouVersion, Life Application Study Bible Devotion


Begin with thanksgiving

In this letter, Paul wrote some strong words to the Corinthians, but he began on a positive note of thanksgiving. He affirmed their privilege of belonging to the Lord and receiving his grace, the power God gave them to speak out for him and understand his truth, and the reality of their spiritual gifts. When we must correct others, it helps to begin by affirming what God has already accomplished in them.


“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

———————-

Reflections

Words of encouragement are always welcome. However in the Asian context, somehow those things are just lacking. Many times people talk about the not so good things and anything that comes of the mouth are just not uplifting. In fact, it brings our emotions down, causing us to feel as if we are worthless.


I read an article which talks about how a person behaves now has to do with past hurts. It’s kind of sad that what happened in the past or when we were younger shapes our behaviour. It is also true some parents may not know exactly how to teach a child unless they were parents who has Christ as the center. It felt that in that itself was the basis of one’s security and identity in life. One whose life when they are younger that was marred by scoldings, condemnation, comparison, or whatever negative things, grows up to be rather negative. But thank God we have a loving God who teaches us what love is and reassures us that we are loved and worthy.


I think as a parent, correction should really be done with and in love. We cannot just discipline a child for a wrong they have done without explaining to them the reason and still reinforcing to them that they are still loved, regardless of the wrong they do. That sense of anchor in the hearts is important for personal growth. For those of who do not have parents like these, I thank God for our loving father who transforms us from within. He helps us to reconcile with our past, make peace with our parents and still love them for who they are. 


Nobody is perfect and knows exactly how they should teach a child. Every one is somehow still learning and in the midst of all these, the kid becomes the guinea pig as we trial and error on teaching styles or methods. At times we lose control and at times we may even go overboard. May the Lord help the parents to discern what is right and loving on how parenting should be and bring love, peace and joy to their children.

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