Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1
I love the sound of musical wind chimes, but there are some that just clang. Nothing musical about them. Then too, wind chimes in a high wind don't sound all that musical either.
There are two ways to speak any truth. If you are trying to instruct someone in a better way to perform their work, you can yell at them and mention every least offense they've ever committed. Or you can recall the times they've done it right and encourage them to improve.
Your children are a lot like employees that way too. They need to know there is love (music) behind the scolding (clanging). They need to believe you believe in them. If they don't, you might just as well scream at them in an unknown language.
Love and respect and two-way streets, both of which--at least with your children--are given and received. One generates the other, resulting in harmony pleasing to the ears, eyes, and touch to both the child and parent.
That doesn't mean you never scold them. It's just that your words can be flavored with honey or acid, music or loud clanging noise. Your choice. You're going to form your children into adults with your words and actions. Choose wisely.
Father, it seems we're always asking, but if our pleas are for Your glory, I pray that they will sound like harmonious wind chimes pleasant to your ears. Therefore, we ask for wisdom to treat our children as You would. Guide us, command us, We long to please You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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