Provoke Not Your Children

"Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged." - Colossians 3:21

There is more instruction in the New Testament for parents than for children. This may be because the occupation of being a parent is harder than any other. It requires a God-given sensitivity. Authority must be used with restraint, because its excessive use may stiffen resistance. This verse warns us that insensitive parents can easily provoke their children to the point of discouragement.

In every way you are stronger than your child. You may subdue him by an overbearing will or simply by your physical strength. If you goad him to such an extent, then he will just wait for the day of liberation. When that day comes, he will throw off all restraint and claim freedom in everything. Ask yourselves, therefore, what kind of home it was that led the needy son to resolve, 'I will arise and go to my father.'

The Joyful Heart (Watchman Nee 主僕倪柝聲弟兄)

Read the Scriptures: Colossians 3