A young man announced to his dad that he and his girlfriend were going to move in together. He knew his dad’s position on marriage and sexual purity, it was a line in the sand. The dad refused to embrace this sinful lifestyle but he had a decision to make – allow his son’s choice to be a wedge in their relationship and cut off communication; or convey disagreement with the choice and continue to love unconditionally. He chose to disagree in love and in doing so kept the communication lines open. He also called on battle buddies to be praying for his ability to reflect Jesus’ example of grace in Truth. The young couple married a year later, the father/son relationship is Rock solid and my friend is blessed with two beautiful grandchildren.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the Truth. It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. – 1Corinthians 13:4-8. The Standard is unconditional love – Never embrace sin, always love the sinner and watch God do what He does.
Tips for Letting Love Flow:
- Invest time in prayer, scripture, worship and study of God’s Word to nurture a personal, passionate relationship with Jesus the Christ.
- Live that relationship in marriage and reflect it in family.
- Carry the countenance of Christ forward in every situation, discussion and relationship to reflect the Standard in love.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for loving me in spite of sinful choices I have made in my life. It is not easy as a dad to watch children make choices at times but their choices are part of life’s journey. You have been beside me through all of life’s valleys and I trust You to be beside them as well. Amen.
A faithful father loves unconditionally while walking in Truth.
