"Please" is hard to say because it acknowledges the fact that you need something from someone else. You can't do everything. You need help sometimes. Pride can keep us from asking for help. Pride can keep us from saying "please."
Look at how Moses used the word in Numbers 12:13 "And Moses cried to the LORD, "O God, please heal her — please."
Or how Joseph used the word in Genesis 37:16 "I am seeking my brothers," he said. "Tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock."
Moses and Joseph both needed something from someone else. They were not too prideful to ask for what they needed. Whether we are talking to God or people, practice saying "please."
This is a great habit to grow as a mom. Say "please" when asking your children to do something. And watch as your example teaches them.
"I'm sorry" is difficult because it acknowledges the fact you did something wrong. Or that you offended someone. You may have been late at picking your child up because you forgot. Or you may have not done something you said you were going to do. Whatever it is, saying the words "I'm sorry" is hard.
We naturally don't like admitting when we have done something wrong. Well, we can't do everything right. That would make us like God. Look at the times when you do something wrong as an opportunity for growth in humility. If we always did everything right, that could be a huge temptation for pride.
David is a great example of someone who practices saying "I'm sorry" when he has done something wrong.
Look at his words in Psalm 38:18 "I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin."
When you do something wrong, it might not be a sin. You might have just accidentally bumped someone in the hallway. Saying you're sorry is a good habit whether you sinned or not. But if you have sinned against God or someone else, you should always ask for forgiveness.
One easy way to teach your children to say they're sorry is for you to say it to them. When you have done something wrong to your children, practice telling them you're sorry.
"Thank you" is hard to say because it acknowledges someone else did something for you. Pride again makes this phrase hard. I always tell my kids that no one has to do anything for you. So if anyone does anything for you, you must thank them.
Pride will keep you from thanking someone. Pride tells us we don't need anyone and that we are the reason we acquired all our possessions.
Did your child make you a homemade card? Thank them. Did your husband surprise you with flowers? Thank him. Did your friend send you an encouraging note? Thank him or her. Thank the sales associate or cashier. Thank your Sunday School teacher. There are so many people in our lives every day who do things for us. Make their day by telling them thanks!
But God is Who we should thank most of all. He made us, saved us, and is taking care of us moment by moment. The only thing we can take credit for is our sin. God gets the credit for everything else.
Jesus told a story of 10 leprous men. They all begged Jesus to heal them. Jesus did and they all left to show themselves to the priest. But only one of them came back to say "thank you." He also praised and worshipped Jesus.
Luke 17:16 "and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan."
Jesus wants us to be like the one man who came back to thank God. When God or anyone does anything for you, say thank you to them.
Acknowledge when someone helped you. Thank anyone who does anything for you. And when you do anything wrong, say you're sorry.
Make a personal pledge to practice these three sayings on a regular basis. How has it changed your life? How have other people responded to you? Does it make you grumble and complain less? Do you feel more grateful? Are you happier and more content?
Practice these three sayings and just watch what God is able to do in and through your life!
