Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

One of the main reasons why we have to be genuine, compassionate, truthful and loving is for our children and their peers.

Children look up to parents as role models, as guides and even as controllers – when they don’t know which way to turn they need guidance and that is why we are here.

Children are not always going to listen to parents, but being the caring parent role model will go a whole lot further than being Mr Angry!

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.

Sometimes I love the title “Bible Basher” when given to me and yet other times I think it may be a bit harsh…

When we show people the truth about God and about Christ we should not be bashing the truth into them but giving it to them in the best possible light so they can make an informed decision to follow Christ by themselves.

We do have a duty to Christ, to God, but with the Holy Spirit we can make a loving and peaceful impact on people’s lives without violence; that is against God!

Deuteronomy 6:7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

I love the way the commandments are given to us a few times – just in case we don’t remember them for any reason the first time through!

But we are also reminded here we have a duty to teach others about those commandments, about loving God in spirit and in truth!

We may forget to tell people at the most opportune times God gives us, but we still can remind people about Him and our love for Him by following and obeying His commandments as best we can.