By 'Gbenga Bankole
A Marriage Counsellor, who is also the Convener of Royal Home Foundation International (RHFI), Mrs. Deborah Abimbola-Akanbi has urged parents to pay close attention to the relationships their children develop, both friendships and dating relationships.
She said parents should encourage their children to choose as their closest friends fellow believers and children who will have a positive influence on them.
While citing 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (MSG), Mrs. Akanbi said urged parents to be consistent in guiding them in their choice of friendship, adding that; " don't give up on showing your children the right path to follow , irrespective of their age at all."
Mrs. Akanbi who is Sunday School Teacher at CAC Vineyard of Mercy DCC headquarters, Lagos, further explained that; "the best way to do this, is firstly to be a model of good relationship to your children. You can't give what you do not have. This can't be faked!"
"Point them to the Word of God and truthfully tell them the gains of good relationships and consequences of bad relationships. Be frank in love and be sincere with them."
"And lastly, pray without ceasing for them. Daily bring them individually with their different needs before God. Even if they are no longer living with you by reason of academic, career, business or marriage, your prayers will work for them. There is no distance in the Spiritual realm. Your prayers will daily supervise their lives and destinies."
"We are not alone. God who gave them to us will support us to the very end . And we'll all have total rest and be celebrated over all our children, in the name of Jesus."