These words that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica have merit as instructions to the parents in their homeschool:
“Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 13b-18, ESV)
Let's look at the applications of these instructions for a godly home. A wise parent has different responses to different behaviors among her children. Per verse 14, if a child is idle, he or she needs admonishing. If a child is timid or lacking confidence, encouragement is the ticket. If weak, come alongside that child with help. And no matter the situation, patience is mom and/or dad’s godly virtue.
Verses 15-17 are rich in principles for all of the behaviors in the home, of parents and children alike. Good parents train their children to love one another and to always seek the fulfillment of each other’s best interests. Set the example of prevailing cheerfulness in the home, and of ceaseless praying (even when the prayer is a split-second turn of the will, without any words spoken or maybe even imagined). And have your home be a place where thankfulness (to God, and to all with whom each of us relate to in any given day) prevails. That is what God wants for us (and from us), and He will bless it.
