Today's Verse: Ephesians 6:4

Many mothers have an inside track with their children because of the bonding that occurs in a child's earliest days and weeks of life with her, both in the womb and after delivery. So, I find it interesting that God commands fathers to be about the work of spiritual nurture, yet without exasperating the child with overly harsh discipline. I don't believe Paul means to exclude mothers, but he emphasizes the importance of a strong, gentle guiding hand from a man who is not overly harsh. No, I think Paul assumes moms will do their part in training and instructing children. However, the father's influence and intentional training of each child are also essential for the child to know the father's love and see that both parents support the proper direction the child should take in behavior, faith, and life.