X You have left Christian Women Today, click here to return.
Subscribe Subscribe
Daily Devotionals »
Ways To Give

From Condemnation to Unconditional Love

Written by Dorothy Brown

**Does my presence as a father really make a difference in my son’s life? Read Dennis Rainey’s answer. http://mentodayonline.com/family/fatherspresence.html

Read Ephesians 6:4 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206:4&version=49;

God gives parents the awesome privilege of demonstrating His love to children. With support from family and friends, Mom and Dad can help their kids discover the joy and satisfaction of a personal relationship with Jesus.

Sometimes, though, we can become a stumbling block for our children, rather than a bridge to God. For example, it’s important to respond to their efforts with wisdom. Some parents want their kids to succeed so badly they constantly “raise the bar.” If your daughter brings home an A, do expect an A+ next time? When your son finishes third, do you ignore his effort and push him to place second in the next race?

Unless we’re careful, children may mistake their age-appropriate efforts as inadequate and disappointing to their parents. Later in life, they could dangerously assume the same is true of God. Kids might ask, “If I can’t meet my earthly parents’ standards, how can I ever meet the heavenly Father’s?”

We should encourage our children to achieve. But we must be balanced. And we must confirm their identity outside of any dependence on performance. When we do, they’ll know we appreciate them. Not only that, but they’ll believe that God values them, too.

Of course, the desire of all Christian parents is for their children to depend on God and receive Christ as Savior. Parental acceptance and appreciation will help them embrace God’s unconditional love. It will also reinforce the amazing truth that He’s forgiven their sins and erased all condemnation.

About the Author
This devotional was written by Dr Charles Stanley. Read more about him here: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/charles-stanley/

Email Print

No comments yet

Leave a Reply

Start a Conversation

DRIME workshops for your church

Media

Image for Connecting Through TechnologyConnecting Through Technology

Do you use technology to stay in touch with family and friends?

>Watch
Image for Choosing to SimplifyChoosing to Simplify

Voluntary simplicity – a choice to consider.

>Watch

Latest Comments

  • shea said: Can't find the section that i went to to read the different... Read More »
  • LAC said: please pray that i will grow in grace and have closer and... Read More »
  • sharon b said: yes some times I am bad about trying to rush ahead of God Read More »