Love Gifts

Psalm 127:3-5 “Children are God’s love-gift; they are heaven’s generous reward. Children born to a young couple will one day rise to protect and provide for their parents …A household full of children will not bring shame… but victory when you face your enemies…” (TPT)

The family as a unit is so powerful. How we curate our children is so powerful regardless of where we are situated. The truth is that the outcome, the product of each family will be fundamentally 

sound if built on the foundation of love regardless of location. Every child that is loved unconditionally, following the blueprint of the God kind of love, will be sound as an adult. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude…”. Imagine all our children growing up in an environment where they experience a love that is actually patient and kind to them. A love that is not jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.

Some parents tell their children things that are not true. All our parents came first in class. And some parents today have continued the lie, they embellish their own story to make it sound real. I was a mathematician; no, you were not. 1 Corinthians 13:5 “…It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” Many children that have been abused cannot talk to their parents because their parents are irritable. The child wants to tell you that one uncle is touching him or her in a funny way. But as soon as he or she enters your room, you shout, ‘WHAT IS IT?’ And because of your tone, the child just withdraws. 

And many adults today have to deal with this pain. As a Pastor, I have had to work with a lot of people through this. And sadly, it is the same pattern, they could not tell their parents when the abuse was happening. If your child is that troubled and they cannot tell you, the truth is that you have failed as a parent. You can buy them the newest most expensive devices or the best things. But if they cannot access you or if they do not feel safe talking to you because they know you will overreact, then you are failing as a parent. Guess what? The child knows that it is an overreaction, but the adult does not know. We need to recalibrate. 

Imagine your child doing something bad and walking on eggshells around you. But you put your arms around him or her and say, ‘Forget about it.’ Two weeks later, the child tries to bring up the topic and you say, ‘What did you do? Forget about it. You did nothing. You have learnt your lesson, move on’. How freeing would that be for that child? But some parents think they have to be mean to teach their child an unforgettable lesson. You will destroy your life, your child, and everything. Have I said you should not discipline your child? No. Discipline the child and move on. When we are healed by God’s love, we can love our children like God loves us.

Prayer: Father, help me love my children the way You love me, in Jesus Name. Amen!