Children feel more secure when they know what is expected of them and when discipline is applied when they do not meet the standards or keep the rules of the home or the laws of God. However, there is another lesson to teach children along with being consistent in the way we handle discipline. That lesson is one of mercy and forgiveness. To help children grow up with an appreciation of the grace and forgiveness of God, it is essential that we teach them the quality of mercy. Children learn primarily through behavioral methods when they are little. As they grow, they learn from example and positive instruction, which involve their cognitive or thinking abilities. The best way to teach mercy is to employ mercy in their lives. Consider this hypothetical example. You have asked your son Johnny to do his chores, but find that Johnny has only done one of his three chores. Instead, you find him playing video games on his Gameboy. When you remind Johnny that he did not finish his chores, he is genuinely sorry and promises to get right to them. (Remember, children are not yet converted and may not have the "deeper" repentance that we may expect of baptized persons.) Instead of inflicting some form of appropriate discipline upon him, you as the parent tell him that you see that he is truly sorry that he forgot to do his chores and that you are going to forgive him this time. He still needs to finish his chores, but you will not punish him for forgetting this time. He will breathe a sigh of relief and learn a valuable lesson of mercy. This helps model what God does for us. When we mess up and repent to God, we know He will forgive us upon true repentance. If the family knows of our mistake or sin, we may share with our families how glad we are that God is a forgiving God. This example will aid our children in realizing our God is not just waiting to discipline us, but is merciful (Psalm 130:3-4). He delights in mercy (Micah 7:18). To lead our children to our loving Father, we must also show our children mercy so they may respond to God when they are older (Proverbs 22:6). Remember Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:7, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Please help your children learn the quality of mercy by applying it to them occasionally and by being examples of those who truly appreciate it in their lives.