41 GETTING A CHILD’S RESPECT REQUIRES
GIVING RESPECT.

“My child never shows me any respect,” complained the mother.

We get what we sow. Sow mercy … receive mercy. Sow kindness … receive kindness. Sow respect … receive respect.

We treat people the way we wish to be treated. Children have a sense of dignity and self-worth. We show them respect by:

•     calling them by blessed names

•     refusing to curse them

•     speaking to their potential

•     affirming them to their faces

•     calling forth the gifts within them

•     accepting whatever special talents they have

•     building them up not tearing them down

•     treating them the way we wish to be treated

Children have spiritual giftings just like adults. They can pray, minister, and serve others in the name of Jesus just as we can. Respect is a two-way street. Show it to your children and they will return respect to you.

Children are not second-class people. Some adults treat children like they must be their personal servants. They order them around as if they are slaves. This builds resentment and rebellion in a child.

Value the gifts and worth of your child. See your child as God sees him or her.

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:13–15).