“Love is patient, love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4a
Raising daughters requires God’s grace, loving patience and wisdom. Indeed, wise are parent’s of daughters who regularly partner in prayer for their special gift from the Lord. They pray for a future husband who is their daughter’s best friend, who makes her heart flutter and who loves the Lord more than he loves her. Daughters need caring prayers.
Daughters who love Jesus desire a mom who sets the example of being adorned with inner beauty, and is not obsessed by her outward beauty, which eventually fades away. Daughters need a mom they can proudly emulate. Indeed, a discerning mom is a listening friend to her little girl—and a loving, but firm disciplinarian when necessary. This demonstrates she cares.
Raising daughters is not a passive role for the father—on the contrary—dad needs to be available to provide, protect and care for his sensitive girl. Some daughters won’t demand attention, but inside they still crave compassion and conversation with dad. Wise is the father who takes the time to regularly date his daughter, giving her his acceptance and understanding.
Furthermore, help your daughter find her identity in Christ and not in the culture. Society tells her she has to look and act a certain way to be accepted, but teach her that acceptance comes from being a daughter of King Jesus. He loves her unconditionally just as He made her. True identity comes from trusting Christ and His plan for her life.
“The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord” (Psalms 45:11).
Gentleness, not harshness, is the approach God blesses in your communication with your girl. Though her behavior may cause you to become angry, do not lash out at her in anger or matters will only get worse. Yes, confront bad attitudes and disrespect—in a spirit of respect and kindness. Your daughter knows you love her when you take the time to correct her.
There will be times she takes advantage of her mom—this is when dad steps in and does not allow disrespectful behavior. God gives the father the responsibility to lead the home, which at times requires intervention when your daughter has a bad attitude or speaks with discourtesy. Wise parents model respect and expect respect. They seek Christ’s standards.
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:11).
How can I help my daughter find her acceptance and identity in Christ?
Related Readings: Ruth 2:22-23; Esther 2:15-18; Luke 8:41-42; Ephesians 6:1-4
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