It's not easy being a mom of two very active children. I got tired, and sometimes, discouraged. There were many times where I thought that I might not be a good mother for my children. I searched the Bible and found Titus 2:4. It says that mothers are "to love their children." Okay... what is so special about this verse? I thought, of course mom should love her children. What kind of love the Bible is talking about?
Let me quote from the book, A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George:
"... the Greek language has several words for love. Agapeo is the kind of love God has for us as His Children: He loves us in spite of our sin, He loves us unconditionally, and He loves us regardless and no matter what. And certainly we mothers are to extend this kind of godly love to our children.
But phileo is the word God chose to convey mother-love here in Titus 2:4. Phileo love is affectionate love, a love that cherishes its object. It is friendship love, a love that enjoys children, a love that likes them! God calls parents to build the family on a foundation of biblical teaching, instruction, and discipline. The home gains a heart, however, when parents not only love their children but like them as well."
This new understanding took me to a new approach of parenting. I didn't feel like a failure anymore, instead I'm able to have fun with my children and ended up enjoying every minute of it. Of course the training and discipline continued, but I find my children are easier to "handle". They become more cooperative and obedient, and most important... I stopped yelling. The house is filled with their chatting voice, and laughter in between... well, I would be lying if I said that it happens everyday... no, unfortunately, it's not... but the children are getting along well, less bickering now. And I'm happy with that as I daily strive to show motherly affection God commanded.
