From Condemnation to Unconditional Love


Ephesians  6:4


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.