Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Prov. 4:23, NIV) 

In the month of February, our writers will share what we do to really get at the heart of our boys. From the heart can come negative actions (mean words, selfish decisions, apathy, or aggression).

“All behavior is linked to attitudes of the heart. Therefore, discipline must address attitudes of the heart.” ― Tedd Tripp, Shepherding a Child’s Heart (affiliate link)

But when we apply the gospel, there is forgiveness and freedom for our boys!

“The one encouragement we can always give our children (and one another) is that God is more powerful than our sin, and He’s strong enough to make us want to do the right thing.” ― Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson, Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus (affiliate link)

The Holy Spirit works in them to bring about His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Isn’t that what we all hope to produce? And even if you don’t see that in your son in the worst moments of his day, that doesn’t mean God isn’t at work in his life.

One of the verses that has guided our mission from the beginning is Ezekiel 36:26, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

This is our prayer for your sons and our sons as well! Start the month off by praying for your son’s heart—that God would draw your son to Himself and work in his heart to glorify the God who created him and loves him. Pray for your own heart as you seek wisdom on how to address problem behaviors and praise good decisions.

We are in this together—this battle for their hearts! With God leading the way and us supporting you each step.