Day 8 "Avoiding Criticism"

I came across this scripture many months ago. Since then, I have heard it repeated silently in mind many times, especially when I am in a heated moment with one of the children.

Colossians 3:21

"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged."

Let's dissect.

Fathers - that means everyone.

provoke - to give rise to, induce, or bring about.

'to' anger - this is either a verb or noun

• verb

to arouse anger or wrath in.

• noun

a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong; wrath; ire.

or

A strong feeling of hostility

discouraged - to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.

That seems like the opposite of what we are trying to accomplish in our relationships.

What are we without HOPE?

Fact: It is 10 times easier to criticize than to encourage.

Task for the Day:

• For every negative thing you say to anyone else (including the children in your life), say 10 phrases of genuine encouragement.