1st Corinthians 13: Parenting with Love

by Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services

Sometimes it is hardest to apply God’s Word to relationships within our family. Let’s face it, our family and children can push us to our limits. We are often quick to react to the flaws of our family members even though we can easily show grace to strangers; and we easily show love and patience and bite our tongues when co-workers do things that bother us.

Below is the well-known chapter on love from 1st Corinthians, applied to parenting. It is not meant to make you feel guilty or a “mess up,” but to encourage. It is a goal given to us, gift wrapped in God’s grace.

Love…

is patient: I will not expect my children to become adults overnight.

is kind:  I will not use harsh words with my children.

is not envious:  I will not wish I had someone else’s children.

is not boastful:  I realize that all good things come from God and I am the blessed recipient.

is not arrogant:  I will not use my status as a parent to justify my self-seeking expectations.

is not rude:  I will show honor to my children in the way I speak and act.

does not insist on its own way:  I can admit when I make mistakes.

is not easily angered:  I will not let my emotions control me, nor will I justify my anger.

keeps no record of wrongs:  There is grace and forgiveness for each day.

does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth:  I will not glory in being right.

always protects:  My children are God’s gift to me to care for and cherish.

always trusts:  I know I can believe in God to help me.

always hopes:  I know my children’s future is in God’s hands.

always perseveres:  I will not give up.

If you find yourself struggling with parenting, we are here to help, not judge; to support, not criticize; and to show you Christian-based parenting that not only addresses behavior but the heart.

 

About the Author:

Carolyn Knarr earned her Master’s Degree from Washington University, and has been counseling for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and is a licensed clinical social worker.

Carolyn has a strong background in working with children and adolescents with ADHD, attachment disorder, trauma, bipolar disorder, and Asperger’s. She works closely with their families to help them with the emotional and behavioral aspects of these disorders. She utilizes play therapy, family therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and is qualified to do psychological assessments with children. Carolyn also sees adult clients, couples, and families.

Through counseling, Carolyn helps her clients look at past and present relationship issues, communication patterns, and the potential for healing and growth.