While here on this earth, Jesus educated His disciples to continue His work after His ascension and to enjoy an eternal life to come by His side. Isn't that our desire too? That our children continue in God's ways, carry on our Father's work, and achieve far beyond what we have achieved? That they enjoy an eternity by our side and by the side of our Savior? This information was drawn from the study of the book: The Desire of Ages (DA). May it be a blessing to your life, as it is to mine.

In the first part I spoke about 16 principles, so I will continue with number 17.

17. Respond immediately to children's calls for help whenever it is to help them be freed from sin and live a holy life.

DA, p. 266 – “Jesus healed the leper immediately, illustrating His work in freeing the soul from sin… In some cases of healing, Jesus did not immediately grant the blessing sought… When we ask for earthly blessings, the answer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than what we asked for; not so, however, when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from it, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life.”

18. If my children ask for something that is in accordance with the Heavenly Father's will, I should grant it to them. John 5:14,15

19. Bring encouragement and comfort to your children. (DA, p. 268) Jesus was the only hope and help for the paralytic who was lowered through the roof. Jesus comforted him with the words: “Son, take heart; your sins are forgiven.”

20. Accept the kindnesses offered by your children. (DA, p. 274) Jesus accepted Levi Matthew's kindness in offering Him a feast.

21. Reject outward distinctions. Jesus did not allow Himself to be influenced by political matters or outward distinctions.

22. When children are questioned in an uncomfortable situation, I can answer on their behalf. (DA, p. 275) When the Pharisees asked the disciples: “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus did not wait for the disciples to answer the accusation, but He Himself said: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick…”

23. Use fewer words and more actions. (DA, p. 88) Jesus' life as a boy condemned evil. He rarely rebuked any misconduct of His brothers, but He had a word from God to direct them.

24. Place God's will above the world's expectations (family and friends). (DA, p. 284) Although the rabbis followed Him with merciless hostility, He did not even seem to conform to what they required, but went forward, keeping the Sabbath according to divine law.

25. If children are “accused” of acting differently from custom, I can defend them with the word of God. (DA, p. 284) When the disciples were accused, Jesus cited examples from the Old Testament to the accusers.

26. Spend as much time as possible in contact with nature and use these opportunities to talk with your children. (DA, p. 290) Jesus spoke with the following people while they were in nature: *Abraham under the oaks of Mamre *Isaac when he went out to pray in the field in the evening *Jacob in the hills of Bethel *Moses in the mountains of Midian *David when he tended the flocks

27. Seek to know the character of your children. (DA, p. 291) The Savior knew the character of the men He had chosen.

28. Dedicate time to prayer, especially for your children. Knowing the dangers the disciples would face, Jesus then went to pray alone on the mountain by the Sea of Galilee all night.

29. Plead with God for tenderness and long-suffering. (DA, p. 295) When John saw day by day the tenderness and long-suffering of Jesus in contrast to his own violent spirit, he learned lessons of humility and patience.

30. Plead with God for Patience. Jesus dealt patiently with Philip's unbelief.

31. Do not distance yourself when children err. The Savior did not distance Himself from the disciples because of their weaknesses and errors. By contemplating Christ, their character was transformed.

32. Do not attack errors, but instead, present something better. (DA, p. 299) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sought to undo the work of false education… He taught them something infinitely better than they knew.

33. Have words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement for the children. (DTN, p. 298) Christ… with words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement sought to uplift all who came to Him.

34. ALWAYS be of good cheer. (DTN, p. 330) Amidst the greatest opposition and the cruelest treatment, He still remained of good cheer. It is self-love that brings unrest. When we are born from above, the same spirit that was in Jesus will be found in us. See promises in Ex. 33:14 and Jeremiah 6:16

35. Do not be afraid, but ALWAYS be at peace, depending and trusting in the Father's power. (DTN, p. 336-337)* When Jesus was awakened to face the storm, He was in perfect peace… He trusted in His Father's power.* When the two madmen came to attack, Jesus did not flee in the presence of these demons.

36. When the children's will cannot be met in their own time, show that waiting is rewarding. (DTN, p. 347) Jairus had to wait to receive what he desired, but it was rewarding.

37. Always keep firmly in memory all received gifts and blessings. Jesus desired that the woman who had been healed of the 12-year illness recognize the blessing she had received.

38. Give daily instructions (DTN, p. 349) Jesus gave daily instructions to the apostles.

Dear brothers and sisters, as I wrote previously, this is not a list for us to think we can simply follow… We will only be able to act as Jesus did if we are submissive to the Father's will, as He was, and dependent on Jesus at all times. All of Heaven is at our disposal to help us! Let's use this gift! We are the branches. Shall we let the vine produce sweet fruits in us?

Angélica Gomide

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