Good morning! Happy Father’s Day to all you Dad’s out there! A special ‘Happy Father’s Day’ to my Dad! I’m thankful for the love that he has shown throughout the years and the example of selflessness that he has constantly put on display. He has taught me what it means to work hard, love your family, and most importantly – live for God!
What a privilege it is to be called, ‘Dad’. This role is one that I do not take lightly – as parents, we are responsible for laying a Godly foundation and training them to live righteously in surrender and obedience to God.
Through all the correction, discipline, and frustration, we must display the gentleness, mercy, and grace of God’s love to provide an good example of what they can expect in greater proportion from their Heavenly Father!
Don’t misunderstand me, we will never be able to show our children the perfect example of our Heavenly Father, but we can give them a good idea. In order to do this, we cannot rely on our own wisdom, strength, and love, we must surrender our lives to God and allow Him to transform us through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the only way to not react in the ‘flesh’, but instead to respond through the Spirit!
As a parent, often times the things we want to do, the places we want to go, and the things we want to purchase, become second as we willingly sacrifice for our children. When you really love someone, their desires, concerns, and well being begin to supersede our own. This is exactly the kind of love our Savior put on display for us.
“After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.”
Isaiah 53:11
Jesus had us in mind the whole time he was enduring the punishment on the cross. He knew that it was the only way to restore the broken relationship caused by our sin. Now because of what Jesus has done for us, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39
Let’s follow the example that God has provided and love our children (and the people around us) selflessly.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us what it means to be loved! You have withheld nothing from us and have given us the opportunity to receive an inheritance we do not deserve – eternal life with You! Help us today to share the love we have experienced by You with the people in our lives! In Jesus Name – AMEN!
Be Transformed 