The Kid's Are Alright

Ephesians 6:4

Vs 4: Now Paul turns his attentions to parents (he speaks mainly to fathers but it is implied that mothers are included as well). Do not provoke your children to wrath. What does this mean? Does it mean we never get upset with our children OR does it mean that we should never discipline our children because it may ultimately get them angry with us?  No.  I like how H.A. Ironside writes in his commentary on Ephesians, “As Christian parents, have in mind your children’s well-being. Do not be needlessly demanding of them, do not lay upon them burdens that are too hard for them to bear, for remember, as children have the Lord Jesus as their example, you have God himself as yours.”[i] It calls for the parent (more specifically fathers) to be even tempered with their children. We are to never discipline out of anger and rage. We are not to be abusive or violent in discipline.  We are not to be so overly critical of our children that we tear them down and crush their spirit. We are to lovingly discipline and instruct, encourage and build up our children in the Lord. I can get frustrated with my children at times but I will never physically harm them but this is not to say that I won’t correct them lovingly either. Ambrosiater gives another great reminder to parents, “Parents ought to teach their children by showing them an example of moderation, so children will choose what is best for them. Parents ought to remember that they were once children themselves and did not want to be provoked by their own parents… so each of them should treat the other in the way they want to be treated themselves.” [ii]  

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[i] Ironside, H.A. (1981). Galatians & Ephesians (In The Heavenlies),  p. 294. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers

[ii] Bray, Gerald L., (2009) Ancient Christian Texts:  Commentaries on Galatians – Philemon (Ambrosiaster), p. 60.  Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press Academic.