A Month of Love - Show Love - Speak with Grace

As we think about showing love, one big way we do this is with the words we do say. Look at Colossians 4:6 - "Your speech should always be gracious and sprinkled with insight so that you may know how to respond to every person." (CEB) This verse tells us the words we say should ALWAYS be gracious and insightful. The dictionary defines, "grace" as; "A controlled, polite and pleasant way of behaving" and "gracious" as; "marked by kindness, courtesy, tact and charm". So, how can we show this in our children's ministries? Consider the following . . . 

• When children are misbehaving, or not settling down. We may be tempted to be at the least, abrupt with children who are not listening and possibly even harsh at times, but God tells us our speech should ALWAYS be gracious and insightful. This is important at all times, but especially when children are not listening. If we are able to remain calm, loving and gracious it will not only be more effective, but will show God's love to children who really need to see it. When children misbehave, speak calmly, quietly and with grace!
• When parents complain or worse, when they cause trouble. While many, if not most, of the parents in our ministries are supportive, there seems to often be some who are never happy with what we do and who constantly complain; or worse, set out to cause problems. As difficult as it may be to deal with these parents, remember; God says our speech should ALWAYS be gracious and insightful. This is important at all times, but especially when parents complain. If we are able to remain calm, loving and gracious it will not only have the potential to diffuse upset parents, but will show God's love to the parents and their children. When parents are challenging, speak calmly, quietly and with grace!
• When volunteers do not want to do as we ask them to do. While most volunteers are willing to use the curriculum we choose, teach as we ask and keep the vision/mission of the children's ministry in mind, there may be some who just want to do things their own way. While it may be frustrating to deal with these volunteers, remember; God says our speech should ALWAYS be gracious and insightful. This is important at all times, but especially when volunteers are challenging. If we are able to remain calm, loving and gracious it will not only have the potential to help volunteers "get on board", but will show God's love to them. When volunteers do not want to do as they are asked, speak calmly, quietly and with grace!

In all our conversations with children, parents and volunteers, we need to be sure our speech is ALWAYS gracious and insightful and when it is, we will be showing love!