Now that I have teenage children, I'm studying the lesson of teenagers and learning from Paul how he taught his churches (which were like children to him) to think. Some time ago, my children studied Paul's stories, looking for life lessons, and I learned many lessons for my life as a mother from those same stories. Isn't that wonderful? Inspiration truly is a hidden treasure.

Most of these concepts were taken from the Book of Acts, Chapter 35 – “The Letter to the Thessalonians.”

Those who remember the principles of how Jesus treated his disciples will notice that many of them are repeated.

The first thing I want to highlight is that Paul treated each church (child) individually. For each church, there was a different, personalized letter. To the Corinthians, he was gentle in his letter, yet still feared he might have offended them. With the Galatians, he was much harsher (“You foolish Galatians…” Gal 3:1). With the Thessalonians, he had to repeat instructions again and again…

So many principles from this great teacher for us parents! Let's analyze a few.

1. Paul spoke words of appreciation and encouragement:

“Brothers,” he wrote, “we were comforted about you in all our affliction and distress because of your faith. For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God…” Acts of the Apostles, 255.

The apostle encouraged them not to grow weary in doing good. Acts of the Apostles, 267.

Principle 1: Let children know the joy they bring to our hearts by choosing to follow Jesus.

2. Paul Repeated the Teaching

“He had spoken to them of these things before; but at that time their minds had difficulty grasping doctrines that seemed new and strange.”

Principle 2: Don't tire of repeating the teaching.

3. Paul felt responsible for the spiritual lives of his churches:

“The apostle felt largely responsible for the spiritual well-being of those converted through his labors. His desire was that they would grow in the knowledge of the one true God, and of Jesus Christ, whom He sent.” Acts of the Apostles, 262

“Do you not remember,” Paul questioned, “that I told you these things when I was still with you?” 2 Thess. 2:5. Acts of the Apostles, 266.

Principle 3: Have the sense that our children's spiritual lives are our responsibility. Provide them with everything necessary for spiritual growth: Bible, lessons, hymnal, prayer, time, friends who are good influences, appropriate food, appropriate schedules, etc.

4. Paul took time to pray with them.

“Not infrequently, in his ministry, he would meet with small groups of men and women who loved Jesus, bowing with them in prayer, asking God to teach them how to maintain intimate communion with Him.” Acts of the Apostles, 262

Principle 4: Take time to pray with your children.

5. Paul sought counsel from the churches

He often consulted with them on the best methods of sharing the light of evangelical truth with others. Acts of the Apostles, 262.

Principle 5: Take time to listen to your children, and, if appropriate, listen to their advice.

6. When Paul was away from them, he kept them in prayer

“Often, when separated from those for whom he had thus labored, he pleaded with God to keep them from evil, and to help them remain active and fervent missionaries.” Acts of the Apostles, 262.

Principle 6: Keep your children in prayer when they are physically separated from us for a time.

7. Paul praised them

Again he expressed his confidence in their integrity, and gratitude for their steadfast faith, and for their abundant love for one another, as well as for the Master's cause. He told them that he presented them to other churches as an example of patient, persevering faith that bravely endures persecution and tribulation. Acts of the Apostles, 264.

Principle 7: Praise your children's attitude of faithfulness to God. (Remember that praise is different from flattery)

8. Paul directed their minds toward the glorious future

“…he directed their thoughts to the time of Christ's second coming, when the people of God would rest from their cares and perplexities. Acts of the Apostles, 264.

Principle 8: Direct your children's minds toward the second coming of Jesus, and our future life in heaven.

9. Paul made clear what he expected of them

“Stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” Acts of the Apostles, 267.

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2 Thess. 3:5.

Principle 9: Make clear to your children what you expect of them.

10. Paul offered words of assurance, comfort, and certainty

“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” Acts of the Apostles, 267.

Principle 10: Have words of assurance, comfort, and certainty for your children.

11. Paul encouraged them and set himself as an example

He pointed to his own example of diligence in temporal matters even while working with tireless zeal in Christ's cause.

Principle 11: Being able to tell our children that we are an example. “You can copy Mom and Dad!”

12. Paul rebuked the lazy

He rebuked those who had given themselves over to unreasonable and aimless idleness, and commanded them to “work in quietness” and “eat their own bread.” 2 Thess. 3:12.

Principle 12: Rebuking laziness.

13. Paul commanded them to separate from bad influences.

He commanded the church to separate from their fellowship anyone who persisted in disrespecting the instructions given by God's ministers. “Yet,” he added, “do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” 2 Thess. 3:15. Acts of the Apostles, 268.

The chapter on Ephesians recounts that Paul also withdrew from the synagogue with his disciples (Ephesians) and went to teach in the School of Tyrannus due to bad influences.

Principle 13: Removing children from bad influences.

May we rejoice and ask the Lord for strength to continue our journey home with our children.

Angelica Gomide

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