Teaching Our Kids Compassion

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

In light of the tragic shooting in San Bernadino this week, I am reminded of how lost we are without Jesus. In the midst of questions regarding why this happened only one thing stood out to me–that we serve a God that never falters, is always with us, and will never leave us. That is the only certainty in the world.

But what can we do?

As much as I want my kids to grow up in a world where they will always be safe and where I can protect them, I know that is not always the case. However, I can prepare their hearts and minds to be a light for God – to live their lives with compassion in a world filled with hate.

We just so happened to be watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” today and it brought up a lot of great conversations about “why the Grinch was mean.” We talked about how the other kids were not nice to him just because he looked different and how sad that made him feel. His sadness turned to anger and he became unkind. When we finish the movie I hope to talk about how Cindy Lou’s kindness and compassion made a difference in the Grinch’s life and how she taught him to be kind. I think this is the same way we can choose to react to this type of horror – to teach and show our children compassion in a hurting world. From small acts of compassion to the people in our lives, to global actions that first and foremost show God’s never-ending love.

I found this sermon by The Rock Church and World Outreach Center, “A Christian’s Response to a Crazy World,” helpful.

I searched Pinterest for ideas on “teaching kids compassion” and found a great board by “Momsters.” Here are a few of the articles and ideas I liked.

This blog from Momastery about “The Talk” is so beautiful – teaching our kids to recognize and show compassion to people in their lives and specifically at school.

Parent Map’s thoughts on Courage and Compassion.

Using books to teach our children important life lessons.

Make an “I will” Statement board to teach kids compassion.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Let’s make our stand by being a light to this world of darkness!