Teaching Your Child to Love Like Jesus
Loving like Jesus can be challenging for people of all ages. Being patient and giving others grace isn’t always easy. You can help your child love others genuinely and completely by teaching them about all the ways Jesus loves others. Here are some of the lessons you can teach your child to guide them to this special kind of love.
Let People Know You Love Them
Anyone can say they love their neighbor, but it’s important to let your neighbor know. Make sure your child tells the people in your life that they love them, rather than assuming they know. This can start with telling your child and other people around your child about your love for them. When you bring your child around family members, encourage them to express how they feel. Telling people they’re loved is one thing, and it’s a great first step to take. The next step is showing it with your actions.
Treat Others with Kindness and Grace
Showing love can come in many forms. Treating others with kindness is one that typically comes naturally, especially for children. Encourage your child to be kind to everyone, even if they don’t return the kindness. In situations where others are unkind to them or make a minor mistake, teach your child to show that person grace. While it’s important to talk about these things, it’s also important to forgive the person and move on. That doesn’t mean accepting bad behavior. If someone is bullying your child, forgiveness needs to come after action is taken to stop the behavior.
Pray for Others All the Time
Jesus dedicated time to praying with and praying for others. You may consider praying for others only when they’re in need. However, you and your child can pray for people even when they’re doing well. Praying for others all the time shows that you love them and are thinking of them all the time. Encourage your child to dedicate a prayer to someone else once a day. Remind them that while prayer can be personal, it can also be a way to spread love.
Be Patient Even When it’s Hard
Children struggle with patience, especially when things aren’t going their way. Help your child learn how to be patient with others by modeling it. Showing love through patience can be done at almost any time. Whether your child is waiting in line behind someone who appears to be taking their time or waiting for their turn on playground equipment, they have plenty of opportunities to be patient. Explain that everyone deserves their time and that you wouldn’t want someone to rush them.
Love Your Enemies
Everyone could learn to love their enemies a little more. For adults, enemies may be those who are on the other side politically or a neighbor who wronged them in the past. For children, they’re typically rivals at school or players on different teams. No matter who someone is in your child’s life, remind your child that every person deserves love. Some children may be difficult for your child to deal with, but being treated with love and kindness can make a real difference.
“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 (ESV)
At our Titusville Catholic school, we believe every child can love like Jesus. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop their full potential. Teachers foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and equip students for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.