Teaching Kids To Love Others Even When It’s Difficult
1. Teach them how Christ acted and encourage them to imitate Him
Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6:27-31)
– Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who try to take advantage of you
Christ loved others even up until He died (Luke 23:34-39)
2. Remind them how we need to have an attitude of humility
The first will be last, and the last first. (Matthew 19:30) Do nothing for your own glory and think of others first. (Philippians 2:3-4)
3. It is important to ask God for help and wisdom
We can do all things with Christ’s help. (Philippians 4:13) Ask God for wisdom to endure the trial at hand. (James 1:5-8)
4. Talk about how we should seek peaceful relationships
If it’s at all possible, live at peace with others. (Romans 12:18)
5. We are responsible for our own actions and response
As Christians, we are the Lords. We will give an answer to Him for our actions. (Romans 14:7-13) A soft answer turns away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1) Practice kindness daily (within the home and outside the home). Work on positive body language. Greet the difficult person with a smile and a friendly hello.
6. Ask Questions And Talk Through Some Ways To Respond Appropriately
Ask your child:
Maybe this person is having difficulty at home and they are taking out their anger on you? How can we pray for him/her?
Listen to their concerns and role-play ways they can confront the person with respect.
7. Say I Love You at home often
When your children are well-loved and know the one who is love (God), they will be more likely to show loves to others and express it. An “I Love You” Prayer is a great little book of rhymes showing kids way to say I love you and thank God for His amazing love. You can preview the book here, and purchase it over here.
How do you help your children deal with difficult people?
