We’ve covered some solid Parenting truths so far in this series, but today’s #parentingtruth might just be the most important one: Jesus! Last week at a meeting at church the question was asked: “Have you ever sensed God using you, working through you in a way that went beyond what you could do naturally?" My resounding answer was “Yes, Parenthood!”
When we realize the we are not supposed to do this parenting thing on our own, or in our own strength, a huge burden is lifted from our shoulders. The answers that we seek, and the wisdom that we need for parenting, are found in a personal relationship with Jesus. When we are following Jesus, He leads us into the presence of the Father. Here we learn about love, forgiveness, and grace. These are all important truths to embrace in our roles as parents. It can be hard enough to find the right answers with help, I would not want to do it alone.
By the grace of God we can be gentle, even when we’re down to our last nerve and our toddler is using it as a trampoline. By Jesus’ example, we can see that putting others first is our best opportunity to introduce them to the love of the Father. When we begin to grasp how great God’s love for us is, we bow under the mercy and forgiveness He offers us. These lessons teach us how to love our own children, just as He has loved us.
Forgiveness is a hard concept to explain to someone with words, but it is understood when they see it lived out. We cannot expect our children to learn all of these valuable lessons the first time. When we remember the patience that God has shown to us, as we have been learning from Him, it provides us with the example of forgiving someone seventy-times-seven. This is something especially important to remember when your children get to around age 11.
Having a relationship with Jesus, one where we spend time reading His Word, praying, and asking for wisdom, is the best opportunity we have to be prepared for whatever tough situation may come our way as parents. Jesus teaches us about letting go of fears, of finding joy in the journey, and loving others well. Jesus modeled how to go away to a quiet place and spend time with the Father. He showed us how to listen well and to find needs and meet them. Jesus was confident in His position as a child of God, and you should be too.
If you are unsure what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus, then I encourage you to start by reading the Gospel of John. You can read it online - for free- at www.biblegateway.com. Then talk to a friend, or visit a local church and speak to someone there about what it means to follow Jesus.
Parenting is full of joys and sorrows, challenges and successes, and every single one of them is better with Jesus!
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