How Moms Can Stand Firm in Faith While Showing Compassion
As Christian moms, we’re often faced with the challenge of teaching our children what is right and true in a world that sometimes feels upside down. The Bible calls us to speak the truth in love, but what does that really mean, especially when the world around us often doesn’t see things the same way we do?
Let’s start with a simple but powerful truth: God loves everyone, but He doesn’t love everything.
This is an important distinction to make, especially when we’re trying to teach our children about love and truth. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that well…. if God loves everyone, then everything people do must be okay. But that’s not what the Bible teaches.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “You cannot love God without hating what He hates.” This may sound harsh, but it’s essential to understand. Loving someone doesn’t mean approving of everything they do.
Real love seeks the best for others, even when that means confronting uncomfortable truths.
How to Speak the Truth in Love
- Start with Compassion: Before you dive into a difficult conversation, start by showing genuine care for the person you’re talking to. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything they say or do, but it does mean that you should approach the conversation with kindness and understanding.
You might say something like, “I care about you and want what’s best for you. Can I share something that’s on my heart?”
- Use Gentle Words: When speaking the truth, it’s important to choose your words carefully. The goal is not to win an argument but to lovingly guide someone toward the truth.
For example, if you’re discussing a challenging topic like same-sex relationships or other moral issues, you could say, “I believe that God’s design for marriage is between one man and one woman. I know this might be hard to hear, but I care about you, and I want to be honest about my beliefs.”
- Build Relationships First: Jesus often started with relationships before sharing difficult truths. He spent time with people, showed them love, and met their needs before addressing their sins. We should follow His example by building relationships first. This doesn’t mean avoiding tough topics. But it does mean earning the right to be heard by showing genuine care and concern for the person.
- Ask Permission to Share: Sometimes, the best way to start a difficult conversation is by asking if it’s okay to share your thoughts.
You could say, “I’ve been thinking a lot about what we talked about the other day. Would it be okay if I shared my perspective?” If the person is open to hearing what you have to say, they’re more likely to listen and consider your words.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Speaking the truth in love is not always a one-time conversation. It might take time for the other person to understand or accept what you’re saying. Be patient, and be willing to walk alongside them, even if it takes longer than you expect.
Action Steps for Moms
- Model It: Show your kids how to speak the truth in love by doing it yourself. Whether it’s in conversations with friends, family, or even online, let your children see you stand firm in your faith while being kind and compassionate.
- Teach It: Help your kids understand the difference between loving someone and approving of everything they do. Use simple language and real-life examples to make it relatable.
- Pray Together: Make prayer a regular part of your family life. Pray for wisdom, for the courage to speak the truth in love, and for the people you interact with to have open hearts and minds.
In a world that’s often confused about what’s right and wrong, it’s more important than ever to stand firm in the truth while showing love and compassion. By doing this, we not only honor God, but we also set an example for our children to follow.
So, lil’ mumma, speaking the truth in love isn’t just about what we say—it’s about how we live.
