As we get older and more experienced, it’s easy to look at other families and say things like that. What you may not know is these kids could be autistic or challenged in other ways. Maybe the little ones are foster kids and they’re struggling. Or, maybe they ARE products of their parent’s unwillingness to discipline. The question is: are you going to be one of THOSE adults who look over, stare, and roll your eyes in disgust? I’ve been one of those. Until I realized I was a parent who was bringing an adopted daughter home from Russia and my daughter was the one throwing a fit because she was scared. Empathy goes a lot further than contempt. Words like, “I’ve been there” or “It’ll get better, be strong” are much more encouraging.

Suggested Reading: Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:29, I Thessalonians 5:11