Homeschooling: Learning the One Anothers Together - Comfort and Edify

In 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, Paul is teaching us that God did not purpose us to be wrathful with one another, but to focus on salvation through Jesus.  He died for us, and so we need to pull together and grow in Him.  So what should we do?  In this verse, Paul says we are to comfort and edify one another.  But what does that mean?

COMFORT, v.t.- 1. To strengthen; to invigorate; to cheer or enliven. Light excelleth in comforting the spirits of men. Comfort ye your hearts. (Gen. 18). 2.  To strengthen the mind when depressed or enfeebled; to console; to give new vigor to the spirits; to cheer, or relieve from depression, or trouble.His friends came to mourn with him and to comfort him. (Job 2) ~Websters 1828 Dictionary

ED'IFY, v.t. [L. oedifico; oedes, a house, and facio, to make.]

1. To build, in a literal sense. [Not now used.] 2. To instruct and improve the mind in knowledge generally,and particularly in moral and religious knowledge, in faith and holiness.Edify one another. (1 Thess.5.3) To teach or persuade. ~Websters 1828 Dictionary

In a nutshell:  We are to help each other be strong in Jesus, speaking true words with thoughtfulness.  We are to help one another shore up our foundation in Christ.

Practically speaking? 

Instead of correcting our children's behavior alone, we realize that we must address their heart's motivation.  We teach them the love of Jesus, so that they will love Jesus with their obedience.  We comfort our children by loving them just as Jesus loves them.  We comfort them with security, by giving them physical and behavioral boundaries that keep them safe.

Homework - Evaluate your parenting.  Are you stuck in the rut of disciplining your children for the same behaviors over and over with no real change?  Have you sought the Lord for wisdom?  Have you taught your children the love of Jesus?  Have you modeled His love out loud?  If not, start today.  Take time right now to get in the Word of God.  Commit your way to Him.  Study His Word daily. Be comforted with His love, and then begin building a strong foundation with your children.

Highly Recommended:The Joy of Relationship Homeschooling: When the One Anothers Come Home by Karen Campbell.

Karen Campbell is the mentor mom that I wish had at the beginning of my homeschooling journey. She encourages moms to see that homeschooling is not just about academics. Homeschooling provides daily opportunities to learn the love of Christ so that we can learn to love each other well. Success in life is not just about math and science. Relationships matter.

Grateful for grace,