“Ultimately, trust the Lord to guide your child by His enduring love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 9, 2024
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Parents’ love for their children is considered a reflection of God’s love for His creation. One of the foundational principles regarding parental love is found in Proverbs 22:6. This verse underscores parents’ responsibility to guide their children on a righteous path. The act of training implies a caring and nurturing love, as parents invest time and effort into shaping the character and values of their offspring. Biblical narratives are rich with examples of parental love. A notable example is the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. Despite the son’s wayward choices, his father demonstrates unconditional love and forgiveness upon his return. This parable illustrates the redemptive nature of parental love, mirroring God’s forgiveness towards His repentant children. A parent’s generous love is an invitation to always come home to heal.
The Bible also highlights the sacrificial aspect of parental love. In Genesis 22, Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac at God’s command is a profound demonstration of obedience and trust. Though God intervenes and provides a ram for the sacrifice, this episode reveals the depth of Abraham’s devotion and willingness to put his child’s life in God’s hands. Such sacrificial love echoes the ultimate sacrifice of God giving His Son, Jesus Christ, for the redemption of humanity. Ephesians 6:4 advises fathers to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. The spiritual dimension of parental love emphasizes the importance of instilling faith and moral values in children. The love expressed by parents is not merely temporal but extends to nurturing the spiritual well-being of their offspring.
Additionally, the Bible teaches that children are a blessing and heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). This perspective fosters a sense of gratitude and joy in parents, recognizing their children as precious gifts entrusted to them by God. Acknowledging children as a divine blessing contributes to the depth and significance of parents’ love for their offspring. Your gift of love for your children and grandchildren provides them safe spaces to experience their heavenly Father’s generous love. Peace, security, and confidence flourish in a child generously loved!
I am learning not to try to fix my children but to model for them what it looks like to love well. And as love builds trust, I seek to prayerfully influence and inspire my children and grandchildren to ask the Lord how to become the best versions of themselves. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, love is patient, kind, and bears all things – qualities that can be applied in the practical aspects of parenting. Spending quality time with children, actively listening to their concerns, and providing emotional support are tangible expressions of this love. Modeling virtues through your actions reinforces the biblical notion of leading by example. Generous loving parents embody love, patience, and moral guidance to cultivate a nurturing environment for children to thrive in faith. Ultimately, trust the Lord to guide your child by His enduring love.
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me patient love to care for and nurture my children and grandchildren in wise and loving ways through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name.
Application
How can I invest time to love my child well? Ask the Lord what type of love your loved one needs in this season of life.
Related Reading
Proverbs 1:8, 4:1; 1 Corinthians 4:15; Ephesians 3:14-15; Hebrews 12:9
Worship Resource
Celtic Worship: How Deep The Father’s Love
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