Modeling Matters

“Anyone who does not love, does not know God, because God is love. ”

— 1 John 4:8

Years ago I had a dry erase board on our fridge where I would post a new little saying each week. Of course, at the time, the ones I was most interested in reaching with my words were my five young sons. Although that board is long gone, the inspiration and thought behind it still remains.

I have such a deep desire to inspire my kiddos to love Jesus and to love others too. But not just with my words because words can be empty without a little action put to it. Am I right?

Our kids learn how to love others by watching us love others.

I can tell my kiddos to be nice all day long and that’s fine and good, but if I’m not nice, then I’m failing them.

I can tell them to love Jesus and even take them to church, but if that’s all I do with my faith, then how much will they really love Him?

I can tell my kids to think of others before themselves, but they won’t know what that means until they see me doing it firsthand again-and-again.

I can tell my kids to spend time with Jesus, but they just won’t get it unless they see it modeled for them.

I can tell them they need to forgive, but then I must show them what forgiveness looks like.

Our kids will love others they way we’ve taught them to.