“First, second, third, fourth, fifth! Bakit di mo gets?” I heard my neighbors scream these words while struggling with teaching a child from their home. I wish I could say I have never uttered such words, but I probably did, just not out loud. As DepEd school year starts, many face the challenge of teaching their children. It is tempting to chastise children for what they cannot do yet, but I hope to encourage you and remind you today that children grow at their own pace. No matter how many DepEd standards are slapped in our faces, this is how God designed children, and it is how He designed all of us–all different and unique. 

Think about it, how many times have we received correction from God through His loving kindness, and yet we fall into the cycle of doing it all again, often even willfully? Imagine if God said, “Bakit di mo gets?” 

So, how are we to treat others when patience is running out during the pandemic? We go back to His word and see God’s grace. It doesn’t mean that there are no consequences as God is just, and He is the God of order. But when you are tempted to condemn or criticize, I challenge you to refocus and think about uplifting others instead. Before you unleash your “Bakit di mo gets?” line, remember God said, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29, NASB) 

A lot of us will be stepping into the shoes of teachers this year. Not all of us are called to be teachers, but people learn from us every day. The question is, do they learn about God through us? Do we reflect our own impatience instead of the character of God? God gave us the Fruit of the Spirit, and this must overflow in how we teach and treat others. We are to love one another, have joy in the work given to us, maintain peace inside and out, extend patience amidst the challenges we face, model kindness and goodness, and have self-control even when it is easier to make harsh comments. (interpreted from Galatians 5:22-23, Fruit of the Spirit)

Easy? No way! But we can call upon the Lord to enable us to do this seemingly impossible task.  Not all of us are called to be teachers, but people learn from us every day. The question is, do they learn about God through us?

Happy Teachers’ Day to all teachers–whether in the classroom, at home, or in your circle of influence.