Tithes & Alms

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Polycarp to Philippians 4:1

1 But the love of money is the beginning of all troubles.

• Love of money (lust) or anything above Alahayim will lead a person unto idolatry which causes troubles in one's life;

Testament of Judah 18:1

My children, the love of money leadeth to idolatry..

Wisdom of Solomon 14:27

For the worshipping of idols not to be named is the beginning, the cause, and the end, of all evil.

Polycarp to Philippians 4:1

Knowing therefore that we brought nothing into the world neither can we carry anything out, let us arm ourselves with the armor of righteousness, and let us teach ourselves first to walk in the commandment of the Lord;

• Understanding what is important in this life and the spiritual law that delivers from idols and their evils, a man focuses on putting on righteousness by learning and practicing what is necessary for him keep the commandments, hearkening to words of truth to overcome hatred in idolatry;

Testament of Gad 3:1

And now, my children, hearken to the words of truth to work righteousness, and all the law of the Most High, and go not astray through the spirit of hatred, for it is evil in all the doings of men.

• When he gets himself established in good works through practice and experience, he can then teach his wife, having the knowledge of what it takes to uphold the faith so that she may go in the good way he would have her to go;

Polycarp to Philippians 4:2

 and then our wives also, to walk in the faith that hath been given unto them and in love and purity, cherishing their own husbands in all truth and loving all men equally in all chastity, and to train their children in the training of the fear of Alahayim.

• His efforts to keep the law and walk in the fruits thereof will also prove a blessing to his family, raising the up in the meekness and gentleness of the Lord and loving his wife, not bearing a grudge towards them or  provoking them in the desire for vain glory over them, nor bitter with their shortcomings as they go through their growing experiences;

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Eph 6:4  

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

Hermas Vision II 3[7]:1

"But do thou, Hermas, no longer bear a grudge against thy children, neither suffer thy sister to have her way, so that they may be purified from their former sins. For they shall be chastised with a righteous chastisement,

unless thou bear a grudge against them thyself. The bearing of a grudge worketh death. 

• When a man goes through the necessary experiences of learning, practicing, and eventually walking in the commandments, he will have the knowledge and understanding of what it takes to help and teach his wife and children how to uphold the faith as well (following his example of upholding the law in every aspect of life). As he understands and does the work to get the beam out of his own eye to see clearly to help his family, he'll pay attention to them and help steer them in the right direction when opportunities present themselves without shame, understanding the goal is to educate with righteous discourse in hopes for them to also choose and cleave to working righteousness unto Alahayim as well;

Psalms 32:8

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Sir 42:1

Never be ashamed to work righteousness, nor teach your children.

Hermas Vision II 3:2

But the great mercy of the Lord had pity on thee and thy family, and will strengthen thee, and establish thee in His glory. Only be not thou careless, but take courage, and strengthen thy family. For as the smith hammering his work conquers the task which he wills, so also doth righteous discourse repeated daily conquer all evil. Cease not therefore to reprove thy children; for I know that if they shall repent with all their heart, they shall be written in the books of life with the saints."

• It takes experience learning your children to understand them as individuals and what works for you as their father to help them grow in the right direction, having the real experiences to help them navigate what they may experience in their journeys. This process requires humility for a parent because it takes practice and mistakes will happen along the way as parents learn to raise their children in the nurture of the Lord. A believing parent isn't ashamed to embrace the process because believers come in humility willing to work at it, confessing their faults when they happen, learning from the experiences, and in an honest and good heart, they bring forth fruits in themselves and their children with patience. Taking the time to raise children in the nurture of the Lord is kept in kindly remembrance before Alahayim:

Testament of Naphtali Chapter 8:5

As a man who has trained a child well is kept in kindly remembrance: So also for a good work there is a good remembrance before Alahayim.

Sound Doctrine and the Way to Teach Children

• The type of instruction our children need through their experiences with us as their parents by what they see us doing, and how they see us speaking, how they are treated by us and what we entreat them unto are given in scripture:

1 Clem. 21:7-9

.....Let our children be partakers of the instruction which is in Christ: 8 let them learn how lowliness of mind prevaileth with Alahayim, what power chaste love hath with Alahayim, how the fear of Him is good and great and saveth all them that walk therein in a pure mind with holiness. 9 For He is the searcher out of the intents and desires; whose breath is in us, and when He listeth, He shall take it away. 

• They learn all these things by experiences with us, wherein our works in our lives, what we say and how we say it are all means of teaching them how lowliness of mind prevails with Alahayim by the power of chaste love working in us. Even Christ the Everlasting father teaches the law by his works for an example for us parents to follow when teaching our children;

2 Corinthians 10:1

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you..

Testament of Dan 6:9

...he is true and long-suffering, meek and lowly, and teacheth by his works the law of Alahayim. 

• Along with the works of operating in truth, long-suffering, meekness and lowliness, teaching the law by observing it, righteous discourse with our children will be profitable to help them understand the fear of Ahayah to walk in it, seeking peace through good works;

1 Clem. 22:1-5

Now all these things the faith which is in Christ confirmeth: for He Himself through the Holy Spirit thus invite thus: Come, my children, hearken unto Me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 2 What man is he that desireth life and loveth to see good days? 3 Make thy tongue to cease from evil, and thy lips that they speak no guile. 4 Turn aside from evil and do good. 5 Seek peace and ensue it. 

• As parents, the gentleness of Christ is shown in the affection we have towardsd our children, behaving ourselves justly as he does, and exhorting, comforting, and charging them unto well doing in the sight of Alahayim when teaching moments arise in due season;

1 Thessalonians 2:7, 10-12

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 10 Ye are witnesses, and Alahayim also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of Alahayim, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

• Teaching our children by observing the law ourselves and giving them understanding of how to operate in humility from their youth through righteous discourse when good teaching moments arise and seeing us walking in lowliness is helpful to train them up in humility in their life;

Sir 7:23; 30:3

Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck from their youth. 30:3  He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.

• What they learn from experiencing humility with us and learning how to operate in it by our instructions from our own experiences of walking in it ourselves will grieve the enemy as he won't have place to lead them astray from Alahayim in pride of heart by traumatic experiences with us or setting a hypocritical example for them as walking in the humility of the law will show them the one way one ought to live unto Alahayim, so that they don't depart when they are older. As parents we have to be attentive to our children's ways to understand them as individuals in order to be long-suffering and understanding so we can actually be an help unto them, guide them gently with exhortations, comforts when needed, and instructions of how to navigate the different experiences of life in humility, having learned to do so ourselves;

Psalms 32:8

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

• When experiences arise, give them a voice, hear them out without projecting but seeking to understand and help them navigate their emotions and experiences to grow from them with gentle rebukes, observing the law with them even in their youth to do justly befor Alahayim;

Sir 11:7-8

Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand first, and then rebuke. 8 Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk.

Pro 18:13

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Deuteronomy 1:17

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is Alahayim's... 

• Listen to hear the children out, giving them a voice without respect of persons for one above the other, neither fearing them to surrender one's virtue by not correcting them, wresting what right in the sight of Alahayim for sake a good name in evil by cockering them. Having respect of persons trying to be liked by our children by letting them have their way rather than being their brother and sister in Christ to help them learn accountability through correction and being guided unto the right way will not bring forth good fruit in them;

Sir 30:7

He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.

• Children need experiences for their learning so they can learn from them and parents are to be there to guide and help them navigate, not being emotionally reactive as the children's learning opportunities arise, but taking the oppurtunities to instruct them in how to walk in humility.

Sir 30:8 

An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.

• Leaving one's child to themselves will lead to stubbornness and self-willed dealings.

Sir 30:9-10

Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness. 10 Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.

• Pampering children and playing with them by making light of their evil doings, not taking the opportunities to guide them in the right way, will cause the parent harm in the end as their children's prideful works will affect them too;

Sir 30:11

Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies.

• When teaching moments arise, give them understanding in due season to help them learn accountability to do right from their youth;

Sir 30:12

Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart. 13 Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee.

• The child needs the accountability to be withstood when they do evil and educated on the right way to operate, being encouraged to do good labors in observing the commands of Alahayim so they may be trained up in humility with well doing, lest they wax stubborn and disobedient unto Alahayim and their parents.

Testament of Levi 13:1-3

And now, my children, I command you: Fear the Lord your Alahayim with your whole heart, and walk in simplicity according to all His law.

• Walk in humility and long-suffering in simplicity, observing the law in your life, setting an example for your children of the gentleness and meekness of Christ. In their youth, teach them letters as they grow so that they may learn to read with the intent that they will be able to read the law so that they may have understanding of it to depart from evil in their lives, being taught by your words of encouragement and example of the success in all things that comes forth from being courageous to observe the law at all times;

2 And do ye also teach your children letters, That they may have understanding all their life, reading unceasingly the law of Alahayim. 3 For every one that knoweth the law of the Lord shall be honoured, And shall not be a stranger whithersoever he goeth.

Joshua 1:7-8

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Admonitions for Parents​

• The admonitions for parents, begin with the head of the household: 

2 Corinthians 10:1

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ..

Galatians 5:26

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

1 Peter 5:3

Neither as being lords over Alahayim's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

Eph 6:4  

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

• We are called to entreat our children in the admonitions of the Lord in the meekness and gentleness of Christ {2Co 10:1} as he beseeches us as a father praying his son and a mother her daughter, { 2Esdras 1:28} not lording over them in pride, { 1Pe 5:3} desiring that vain glory over them, giving place to envy to deal with them in unhealthy feelings and speaking words that would provoke them unto wrath { Gal 5:26} rather than unto love and good works, being considerate of them as our brethren in Christ. {Heb 10:24} So our actions nor words ought not to provoke our children to wrath, desiring vain glory over them. Rather, in speech seasoned with salt with grace in temperance, {Col 4:6} through words of righteousness repeated daily in due season in humility, our children can grow in the faith of the Lord by nurture and gentle reproofs with love;

Shepherd of Hermas Vision 1

3:2 But the great mercy of the Lord had pity on thee and thy family, and will strengthen thee, and establish thee in His glory. Only be not thou careless, but take courage, and strengthen thy family. For as the smith hammering his work conquers the task which he wills, so also doth righteous discourse repeated daily conquer all evil. Cease not therefore to reprove thy children; for I know that if they shall repent with all their heart, they shall be written in the books of life with the saints."

Proverbs 15:23

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

• The responsibility starts with the fathers to set the example for the family that he may teach his wife by his actions that she may learn to walk according to the faith, and also strengthening her with righteous discourse in due season so that she may be after his mind to go in the ways of Alahayim as he would have her to so that she may be setting an example herself as well for the household. Then she can raise up their children in the instruction of the Lord as did Rachel and Leah built up the house of Israel. {Ruth4:12} 

The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians 4:1-3

And let us teach ourselves first to walk according to the commandments of Ahayah; and then your wives to walk likewise according to the faith that is given to them' in charity, and purity; loving their own husbands with all sincerity, and all others alike with all temperance; and to bring up their children in the instruction and fear of the Lord.

• As we said earlier, it starts with the men, yet the women are all important to the building of a household as a mother's works (actions and manner of living) in wisdom can win the children over unto the faith while her unwise works in spiritual fornication can tear them down by what she is doing, Judah's wife's idolatrous works affecting her two sons negatively being an example of this fact;

Proverbs 14:1

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

• Together as one unit in agreement, the parents can guide their household unto righteousness; 

Amos 3:3 

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

1 Corinthians 1:10 

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Yache Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

• Having a wife after a man’s mind who is in agreement with what he says and how he judges (decides) according to the law is invaluable and beautifies the Spirit; 

Sir 7:26 

Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not..

Sir 26:15, 14

A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind cannot be valued. 14 A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.

Sir 25:1 

In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before Alahayim and men: the unity of brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.

• She not only beautifies the Spirit but she also strengthens her family, husband and children alike;

Sir 26:13

The grace of a wife delighteth her husband, and her discretion will fatten his bones.

Proverbs 31:11-12, 27-28

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

• It takes both parent working the fruits of the Spirit toward one another to set an example for the children;

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

1 Peter 3:7

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

• A man must operate in humility and long-suffering towards his wife and dwell with her according to the knowledge of the law in everything to maintain those good fruits in her struggles to help her as she goes through her growing process because that accountability will bring forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness in her over time and her learning experiences. A wife likewise has to dwell with her husband according to the knowledge of the law, having her desire unto him, caring for his wellbeing, and submitting herself unto his rule over her as unto the Lord, so that he or others in the household may be won over by her chaste conversation (manner of living) with reverence;​

1 Peter 3:1-2

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Eph 5:22-23

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

• A wife must submit herself unto her husband in contentment with him in body and spirit, having her desire unto him and caring for his wellbeing; all of which is operating according to the law as he learns to lead by example, submitting himself to the will of the Lord;

Ignatius to Polycarp 5:1

..Tell my sisters to love the Lord and to be content with their husbands in flesh and in spirit. In like manner also charge my brothers in the name of Yache Christ to love their wives, as the Lord loved the Church.

• The relationship of the parents working together in the fruits will set an example for the children;

Colossians 3:20-21  

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

• A man has the growing opportunity of learning to be or continuing to patient and long-suffering through his experiences in his home with his wife, the weaker vessel, and his children who need nurture in the meekness and gentleness of Christ (2 Co 10:1) to be raised up in the faith. A man has to guard himself in meekness to speak rightly with speech seasoned with salt unto his children to avoid provoking them to anger;

Pro 15:1 

 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

• A man has to be mindful to walk in the fear of the Lord, bearing the fruits towards his children in his deeds and graceful speech too, not only his wife because if he doesn't walk in the fear of the Lord his house will be overthrown as its about his humility in reverence (fear) for the Lord, whether rich or poor, that will hold his family together;

Sir 10:21-22

The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority: but roughness and pride is the losing thereof. 22 Whether he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear of the Lord.

Sir 27:3  

Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown.​

• In the household, parents and children deserve mutual respect honoring one another in humility as the Father and the Son, our Lord, honors one another; {Jhn 8:49, 54} 

​John 8:49, 54

Yache answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. 54 Yache answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your Alahayim:

• This mutual respect of each other and healthy boundaries in service unto Christ, will garner honor from his Father for both parents and children; {Jhn 12:26} 

John 12:26

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

• Walking in humility with deep respect in reverence for Ahayah serving the Lord Yache will bring honor in the sight of Alahayim for parent and children alike.

Proverbs 22:4

By humility and the fear of Ahayah are riches, and honour, and life.

• In the household raising up children in the nurture and admonitions of the Lord, Ahayah is our example, showing mercy while chastening (with mild rebukes) His children whom He loves without upbraiding them. If we delight in our children, we must lead them in the right direction by example first, then with much encouragement, teaching, nurturing, comforting, and instructing with gentleness.

Pro 3:12

For whom Ahayah loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth​

• Its an act of love and delight in one's children to correct them in meekness with righteous discourse daily when teaching moments arise as Alahayim wills;

Proverbs 13:24

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Sir 30:1-4

He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end. 2 He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance. 3 He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him. 4 Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.

• As parents guiding them to serve Alahayim from the heart sincerely, teach them good manners in the fruits of the Spirit from their youth and instruction in humility and good works unto Alahayim according to the law from their youth so that they may retain the wisdom unto their adulthood.

1 Clem. 21:7-8

.....Let our children be partakers of the instruction which is in Christ: 8 let them learn how lowliness of mind prevaileth with Alahayim, what power chaste love hath with Alahayim, how the fear of Him is good and great and saveth all them that walk therein in a pure mind with holiness.

Pro 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Sir 7:24

Hast thou daughters? have care of their body, and shew not thy self cheerful toward them.

• This doesn't mean do not be cheerful towards your daughters at all because Cheerfulness is a holy spirit we must be clothed in to enter the kingdom. Its referring to when she sins or does something that isn't right, you shouldn't make light of it and laugh it off or smiling being cheerful like it's ok, lest she grow comfortable in folly not being properly nurtured.​​  Upbraiding words is no profit to us or our children seeing as though we have to give them the example of the gentleness and meekness of Christ by humbly exhorting and encouraging them to walk in the ways of the Lord with graceful speech, honoring them as our brothers and sisters in Christ too;

2Co 10:1 

 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: ​

• We are to be meek and gentle, being base (lowly-humble) amongst our children, exhorting, comforting and charging them to walk worthily of Alahayim as a father ought to:

1Th 2:11-12

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of Alahayim, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 
Pro 19:18

Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Pro 23:13-14

Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

• Through daily righteous discourse, exhortation, encouragement, and appropriate correction we will have joy in the righteous fruit it will bear just as Ahayah chastens us that we may bare fruits of righteousness unto Him. {Heb 12:6-12} Teaching them in meekness will grieve the enemy because the fruits of the Spirit are being planted in their soul. On the other hand, if we are abusive, emotionally reactive, wrathful, yelling, scolding, reviling and hasty of spirit (short tempered) toward them, we are only increasing iniquity in that selfish desire of vain glory, provoking them to anger and wrath which is liable to lead our children closer to Satan by showing them the example of Satan through our traumatizing works towards them. Though we may do somethings in love, that hypocrisy of going two ways in works of love and hatred, is exemplifying the spirit of Satan to our children;

Testament of Benjamin 6:5-7 

The good mind hath not two tongues, of blessing and of cursing, of contumely and of honor, of sorrow and of joy, of quietness and of confusion, of hypocrisy and of truth, [of poverty and of wealth]; but it hath one disposition, uncorrupt and pure, concerning all men. 6 It hath no double sight, nor double hearing; for in everything which he doeth, or speaketh, or seeth, he knoweth that the Lord looketh on his soul. 7 And he cleanseth his mind that he may not be condemned by men as well as by Alahayim. And in like manner the works of Beliar are twofold, and there is no singleness in them.

• In selflessness, giving ourselves as offerings unto Alahayim to overcome our former shortcomings, we have to be one genuine person, serving Alahayim only through love and good works with consistency so our children can see the way, the truth, and the life of Christ in us rather than hypocrisy and two facedness in the double mind showing them the ways of the devil and his spirits of deceit;​

​Testament of Asher 6:1-3

Take heed, therefore, ye also, my children, to the commandments of the Lord, following the truth with singleness of face. 2 For they that are double-faced are guilty of a twofold sin; for they both do the evil thing and they have pleasure in them that do it, following the example of the spirits of deceit, and striving against mankind. 3 Do ye, therefore, my children, keep the law of the Lord, and give not heed unto evil as unto good; but look unto the thing that is really good, and keep it in all commandments of the Lord, having your conversation therein, and resting therein.

• Parents efforts to practice well doing in keeping the commandments to make it habitual and our manner of living, having been exercised in the words of righteousness to rest in the fruitful works thereof, is beneficial for ourselves and our children.

An Example of Righteous Chastening of the Household

​

Hermas Vision 1

[3:1] "Yet it is not for this that Alahayim is wroth with thee, but that thou mayest convert thy family, that hath done wrong against the Lord and against you their parents. But out of fondness for thy children thou didst not admonish thy family, but didst suffer it to become fearfully corrupt. Therefore the Lord is wroth with thee. But He will heal all thy past sins, which have been committed in thy family; for by reason of their sins and iniquities thou hast been corrupted by the affairs of this world. [3:2] But the great mercy of the Lord had pity on thee and thy family, and will strengthen thee, and establish thee in His glory. Only be not thou careless, but take courage, and strengthen thy family. For as the smith hammering his work conquers the task which he wills, so also doth righteous discourse repeated daily conquer all evil.

• This has to be done in due season in speech with grace seasoned with salt that it may bring forth good fruit;

Proverbs 25:12, 15:23

As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

• Discretion and due season is everything so as not to speak out of one's emotions or untimely, causing the words to be rejected;

Sir 20:20, 33:29

A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season. 33:29 But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do nothing.

Hermas Vision 1

Cease not therefore to reprove thy children; for I know that if they shall repent with all their heart, they shall be written in the books of life with the saints."

Hermas Vision 2

3[7]:1 "But do thou, Hermas, no longer bear a grudge against thy children, neither suffer thy sister to have her way, so that they may be purified from their former sins. For they shall be chastised with a righteous chastisement, unless thou bear a grudge against them thyself. The bearing of a grudge worketh death. But thou, Hermas, hast had great tribulations of thine own, by reason of the transgressions of thy family, because thou hadst no care for them. For thou wast neglectful of them, and wast mixed up with thine evil transactions.

• (In order to raise children right, one cannot be bitter or grudging against them, nor continue being mixed up in one's own evil works. One must do the work to overcome one's own sins so that they may have an example of the way to go, teaching them the law through one's works. This is important to teach one's self to walk in the commandments first so that one may have the experience required to understand how to walk uprightly in order to educate them on how to walk in humility as ell. As for interactions with the children, one be loving (affectionate) and sincere (genuine) towards them with timely words of righteousness in graceful speech to educate them in the ways of humility when those teaching moments arise daily, which is the righteous chastisement, setting an example of righteousness for them (without hypocrisy) in works to show them the way in which they ought to go by one's example of a believer, walking in guilelessness and simplicity according all of the law in all aspects of life, and inviting them unto the same in righteous discourse.)​

3[7]:2 But herein is thy salvation, in that thou didst not depart from the living Alahayim, and in thy simplicity and thy great continence. These have saved thee, if thou abidest therein; and they save all who do such things, and walk in guilelessness and simplicity. These men prevail over all wickedness, and continue unto life eternal.
3[7]:3 Blessed are all they that work righteousness. They shall never be destroyed

• As a parent, putting the work in to overcome one's struggles, working on simplicity and great continence to resist evil will lead to salvation if one abide's in such good labors to walk in guilelessness and simplicity through working righteousness as the single focus in all aspects of life.

​Teach Children the Law and Testimonies 

Deu 4:9-10

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes

have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; 10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before Ahayah thy Alahayim in Horeb, when Ahayah said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.

• We as parents have to take heed to the commandments and keep our souls diligently to observe them so as not to give place to evil thoughts or desires that would lead our hearts astray to forget them while teaching our children of the law and testimonies so that they also may learn to fear Ahayah all the days and pass that understanding down to their children after having learned from our examples of believers and the nurture and admonitions of the Lord that they themselves have been raised up in.

Deu 6:6-7

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

• As it was told to Hermas how righteous discourse repeated daily avails much, so also in the law we get confirmation that righteous discourse being spoken daily is profitable for raising up children in the faith of Christ.  

A Father Teaching the Children

4Ma 18:9-19

And these my children, having arrived at maturity, their father died: blessed was he! for having sought out a life of fertility in children, he was not grieved with a period of loss of children. 10 And he used to teach you, when yet with you, the law and the prophets. 11 He used to read to you the slaying of Abel by Cain, and the offering up of Isaac, and the imprisonment of Joseph. 12 And he used to tell you of the zealous Phinehas; and informed you of Ananias and Azarias, and Misael in the fire. 13 And he used to glorify Daniel, who was in the den of lions, and pronounce him blessed. 14 And he used to put you in mind of the scripture of Esaias, which says, Even if you pass through the fire, it shall not burn you. 15 He chanted to you David, the hymn-writer, who says, Many are the afflictions of the just. 16 He declared the proverbs of Solomon, who says, He is a tree of life to all those who do His will. 17 He used to verify Ezekiel, who said, Shall these dry bones live? 18 For he didn’t forget the song which Moses taught, proclaiming, I will kill, and I will make to live. 19 This is our life, and the length of our days.

 

 A Mother Raising Children 

4Ma 13:19-25

You are not ignorant of the love of brethren, whereof the divine and all-wise Providence has given an inheritance to those who are begotten through their fathers, implanting it in them even through the mother's womb; 20 wherein brethren do dwell the like period,  and take their form during the same time, and are nourished from the same blood, and are quickened with the same soul, 21 and are brought into the world after the same space, and they draw milk from the same founts, whereby their fraternal souls are nursed together in arms at the breast 22 and they are knit yet closer through a common nurture and daily companionship and other education, and through our discipline under the Law of Alahayim. 23 The feeling of brotherly love being thus naturally strong, the seven brethren had their mutual concord made yet stronger. 24 For trained in the same Law, and disciplined in the same virtues, and brought up together in the upright life, they loved one another the more abundantly.

​

Parental Neglect Exhortations

• Children are attacked by youthful lust (the spirits of deceit) [Test of Reuben 2-3] from a young age and they need parents to guide them in the right way to go, helping them navigate their emotions and experiences, so that they won't depart from the righteousness of the law when older, keeping themselves from idols. Parental neglect in nurturing children in the fear of the Lord stains the family nobility:

Sir 22:10 

But children, being haughty, through disdain and want of nurture do stain the nobility of their kindred.

Pro 20:11, 15

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. 15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 

• Correcting their behavior by gentle reproof with love and setting an example from their youth to help them see the way they ought to go to overcome the evil spirits that seek to blind their hearts with pleasure in evil from their childhood will help them not have pleasure from their hearts when they are grown because of the upbringing they received to train them up in the right way to go, having seen the fruits of good works in how they were raised by their parents.

Sir 30:11

Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies.

• Children need structure and accountability in their youth so they can know the right way in which they should go, so a parent ought not to neglect educating opportunities to help steer children in the right direction as opposed to giving them liberty to continue in their own will against Alahayim. The wrong emotions cloud our judgment to slack in teaching our children out of a worldly concept of love wherein we leave them to themselves out of fondness for them, which will bring forth them walking in the wrong spirits;

Hermas Vision 1 [3:1]

But out of fondness for thy children thou didst not admonish thy family, but didst suffer it to become fearfully corrupt...
Sir 30:8-9

An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful. 9 Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.

• Leaving a child at liberty to do as they will without the nurture of the Lord will lead to the spirits of youth having more influence in the children as idleness teaches much evil.

Sir 33:27-28

Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness teacheth much evil. 28 set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.

• A parent has to put their child to work in labors that are good for him to learn do well for his benefit in the end, and if he is struggling, more accountability is necessary to help him as the correction in love is needed to drive away the evil;

​Proverbs 22:15

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

• Through temperance in remembering the end goal of saving their soul as Ahayah desires through the commandments given, we can overcome those emotions to do what is right in the sight of Alahayim and help our children.

Hermas Vision 1

Cease not therefore to reprove thy children; for I know that if they shall repent with all their heart, they shall be written in the books of life with the saints."

Sir 30:7

He that maketh too much of his son, shall bind up his wounds, and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.

• A person who makes too much of their child is similar to one who puts a their child on a pedestal as if the child can do no wrong or makes excuses for the wrong they do, turning a blind eye from holding them accountable for their actions or taking the time to teach them the ways of Alahayim to correct the behavior. The fruits of such works are harmful for children.

Sir 30:8, 10

An horse not broken becommeth headstrong: and a child left to himself will be willful. 10 Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.

• We are exhorted to teach our children the fear of Ahayah by speaking life into them with words of righteousness daily and holding them accountable with gentle corrections when necessary, lest they become headstrong by willful behavior because we left them to themselves not reproving them because we made too much of them out of our fondness for them according to the world. On the other hand, out of delight for them in the sight of Alahayim, we would help them to correct the things that aren't well in Alahayim's sight;