People don’t love people much anymore, and those known for loving people don’t get much press. Jackie Deshannon wrote “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love” in 1965, and over forty years later, we still need it. Meanness is a magnet for the media.
So, is it possible to teach our kiddos it’s worth the time and effort and investment to love others in a world that often doesn’t? Moms can make their own lives a lesson in loving people.
Loving people who are…
Near you
First of all, lessons in love begin at home with those we know best. Before I set up play dates or give the okay for activities with friends, I need to see my son and daughter love each other. Consequently, they learn home is where we learn to love. Future relationships grow in the fields we prepare in our families.
Different people
Certainly, today’s world is a mosaic of differences, and children need to navigate the narrow lane between tolerance and acceptance. While it might be easier to gravitate towards either people we like or those who love us, Jesus calls us on the carpet for taking the easy way out. As a result, “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” (Luke 6:32)
People in your way
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps,” (Proverbs 16:9). Because we know God sovereignly steers our path, we can be sure He planned for those we encounter along the way. Our children pick up our perspective on people we encounter, planned and unplanned.
Unlovable people
Since Moms are always being watched, it’s an opportunity, yet it’s also a great responsibility. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to produce loving fruit in us. Children watch us respond to the snarky woman at church, the bully at the playground, the difficult relative, the politician on TV, and the commenter on social media.
As a result, our children watch and listen as we love or not. We don’t get a “pass” when it comes to the unlovable, not even on Facebook or in election season. Even then, lessons in love are being taught and learned. In the same way, God Himself shows us how by His example towards the ungrateful and the evil. He loves the unlovable, which is a good thing, so that He loves us! “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” (Luke 6:35)
People Jesus loves
Most of all, Jesus made it clear we’re to love others who follow Him; it’s one way the world knows we’re His disciples (John 13:35). He also made it clear He loves the whole world of people (John 3:16), so if we love who God loves, that love touches those who follow Him and those who don’t.
Finally, Moms today shouldn’t expect headlines to change anytime soon; the world still needs love sweet love. Seems like our youngsters won’t grow up in a loving world. But the love lessons that matter most begin at home, and moms can make life a lesson in loving people.
- Election Day and empowering, enduring truths for moms - November 8, 2016
- Loving People: How Moms can Make Life a Lesson in Loving - October 11, 2016
- A Child’s Heart and the Hidden Treasure of Talking Back - September 13, 2016
