Pastor's Corner
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TEACH WITH GREAT POSITIVENESS

One the most remarkable ways in which Jesus taught is well-illustrated in what is commonly called “The Beatitudes.” Let us take time to analyse how He taught.
Each statement begins with a wonderful word of blessing (Cf. Matthew 5:3-10). It must have been pure delight to hear Him make those wonderful pronouncements.

1. Why did Jesus teach the way He did?

Let us consider the following thoughts:-

a) He knew our human hearts, that we need positive reinforcement

If we wish to become effective teachers, we must seek to emulate the example of the Greatest Teacher ever. Human hearts are still the same. The need for a positive word of encouragement is still felt.

b) Teach that God loves to bless

That is a wonderful truth that we must not fail to appreciate. Let us tell our pupils that we have a great and wonderful God who loves to bless. Right from Genesis 1 and all the way to the Book of Revelation, we read about a God who loves to bless. Statement after statement of God’s promises to bless may be found.

c) Teach with the outcome of happiness in mind

The word “blessed” describes a state of happiness. This is what God wants us to experience. He does not want to see His children riddled with doubts and sadness. He desires to bring to us a happiness that we all need in life

d) Teach with a great and positive spirit

There was only one way in which Jesus could have taught the way He did- with a great and positive spirit! Let us be challenged to cultivate this positive spirit!

2. How not to teach

All the Gospel writers noted how differently Jesus taught, in contrast to the scribes and Pharisees. How did they teach? Two things may be highlighted:-

a) They were mostly negative in their approach

They seemed to be critical of everything. They were not happy that Jesus mingled with the tax collectors and sinners. They were not happy about most things, it would seem. This approach must have soured up the way they taught too.

b) They were unable to present a God who was happy with anything

The God they portrayed was a Being of their own making. Theirs seemed to be a morose and angry God who finds fault with everything. This is not the God of the Scriptures!
Let us never teach with a negative spirit! We will do great harm to our pupils!