The Ballestero Blog

“Lest They Be Discouraged”

Every one is grateful for a kind word of encouragement. Dreams and ideals can be very fragile and easily destroyed, especially in the early stages of life.

Most find it easy to gravitate towards those who look favorably upon us. Not many can thrive in an environment of constant criticism, hostility and contempt.

I have never met a person sick enough to rejoice over discouraging someone from accomplishing that which is good. Neither can I believe a good father would be happy he made his child so discouraged they quit going to church.

My mind cannot imagine a Spirit-filled father treating his children so horrible that they lose all desire to go to church because of him.

No generation of believers has evidently been exempt from stupid acting fathers. It was a problem big enough to be mentioned In Paul’s writings to the Colossians and the Ephesians.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

No father in his right mind would say he chose to talk his child out of living for God. Evidently then, when strength turns into harshness, un-repairable damage could be done.

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

There Is No Room In The Kingdom Of God For Harshness.

• Not in the pulpit
• Not in the church or out
• Not between husbands and wives
• Not between fathers and their children

Dads? We don’t show strength by being harsh (strict is what we might think) Harshness isn’t wisdom, it isn’t love, it isn’t mercy, it isn’t the fruit of the Spirit, it isn’t productive, and It isn’t pleasing to God.

Harshness kills love, it kills respect, it kills hope, it kills family structure, and it kills every pleasant memory of childhood.

One time, when my oldest children sons were up in their teens, I made a strict ruling in my home. Within two days I saw the hurt that my ruling had caused for all of my children.

I began to meditate and pray about the problem and felt the Lord impress me to repent to my children. My first reaction was to be repulsed at the thought. I could only imagine what negative thoughts my children would think of me if I did that. My very next thought was… “What will they think of me if I don’t repent?”

I called a family meeting and we all sat down in the living room. I looked at my five beautiful children and wife, and I began to be filled with great sorrow for what damage I had already done. Things would only get worse if I didn’t humble myself and repent now.

I began if sorrowful tones: “I made a bad ruling two days ago that has brought much pain to my family. I am changing that ruling right now. I was very wrong. What I did has hurt you, the very ones I love.

I am so sorry! Would you please forgive me? I never want to make a decision again that would ever bring pain to any of you. I love you!

• Next came tears in the room.
• Next came the hugs and smooches.
• Next came sweet comments, some said aloud and some whispered in my ear.
• Next came a room filled with seven teary-eyed smiling people expressing love for each other.

The Fruit Of The Spirit Includes Gentleness

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

God’s Wisdom Is Peaceable And Gentle

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Godly dads don’t discourage their children in living for God. Godly dads live so that they create a craving in their family’s hearts to live for the Lord too.

If a man yields his strengths to God’s ways, submitting himself and his emotions. Then will he manifest the Fruits of the Spirit, transforming his home into a place of comfort, peace and delight.

Daddy? Go Make This A Very Happy Father’s Day For Your Family!

(You’re Kids Are Watching!)