How To Live With Your FamilySample

God and Your Parents

God gives you your family—your parents and siblings—to show you an example of what your relationship with Him is like and who He is to you. Everyone wants parents who love and care for them no matter what happens. Well, that’s who God is. He loves and cares about you more deeply than you can imagine.

Your parents try to provide for your needs. God already provided what you need. Your parents help you grow and shape you into who you’ll become, but ultimately, God grows and matures you.

But here’s where you have to be careful. Everyone has different types of parents, and while your parents are an example of God—they aren’t God. God is so much bigger than any relationship you have on this earth. There is nothing that compares. God will never let you down, hurt you, abandon you, or make mistakes. And all humans make mistakes. People mess up. Sometimes even parents mess up—big time.

So while your parents can be great examples and reflections of who God is, be careful not to make God someone He’s not. While your parents may have bad days and can be short with you, God doesn’t have bad days. Sometimes your parents will discipline you in hurtful ways. God will never hurt you. God is perfect, and His love is unfailing.

You are God’s. You belong to Him. He loves you and cares for you, and you are His child.

God gave you your parents to be an example of your relationship with Him. You can learn a lot about who God is through your relationship with your parents. But remember: God isn’t your parents. And your parents, well, they aren’t God.