We talked yesterday about how the greatest way to rule is to serve. Not only did the elders advise Rehoboam (the future king) to be a servant to his people, but to "SPEAK GOOD WORDS to them" (1 Kings 12:7). To lead our children, we must also speak good words to them. This means kind, lovely, joyful, cheerful, pleasant, convenient, excellent, righteous, and encouraging words.
It is easy to forget to do this. In the midst training and correcting wrong behavior we can often forget to speak kind and loving words. This is another aspect of serving. We have to get out of our own comfort zone and actually DO IT! Speaking good and encouraging words to each one of your children every day. Make it a habit. Check yourself at the end of each day to see if you have encouraged each one, otherwise the days go by and it won't happen!
Prophecy over your children. This doesn't mean you have to be a prophet. 1 Corinthians 13:3 tells us that prophesy is for "edification, and exhortation, and comfort." To edify mean "to build up, to embolden, to encourage." I think that children will do far more in life by prophetical encouragement than any other way. The patriarchs saw this as a responsibility to their children.
We love to bless and speak into the lives of our children at our weekly Shabbat meal. But, once a week is not enough. Let's get into the habit of doing it daily.
Love from Nancy Campbell