October 9, 2019 - Manipulating

Proverbs 26:4-5 says, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, that he is not wise in his own eyes."

In this chapter, Ginger pointed out how easy it is to respond foolishly when our kids speak foolishly. Maybe that means arguing with them, being sarcastic with them, or giving in to their desires, but any way that it happens is not how we should respond. She shows us how Jesus responded to foolishness and manipulative questions.

In class we discussed how easy it is to be manipulative to get what we want with our spouses (even if we don't think we are being manipulative!) and we also do it with our children. Instead, we need to be open and honest with our requests. Ask yourself, "is it possible I am trying to make them feel guilty so I can get what I want?" That is the question Ginger Hubbard says to ask your children when they try to be manipulative as well.

There is so much good info in this book, and it's really starting to stack up! Here's an accountability question for you: Have the rates of whining, lying, tattling, defying, or manipulating gone down at all in your house? This week, aim to use God's Word to combat these sins - in your kids and in your own heart, too.