Imperfect ParentingSample

The Perfect Parent

Parenting. Everyone has experience with this because we’re all someone’s child. Some of us had good experiences with our parents, while others have endured hurt and pain. Whether we have a positive outlook on parenting or are fearful that we’ll mess it all up, the good news is that parenting and perfection don’t go together for us. The even better news is that there’s only One who parented perfectly, and He’s ready to guide us.

God is referred to in many ways in the Bible. He’s the same God, but just takes on a different role. Much like we are friends, brothers, or co-workers, God is Creator, Provider, and Father. And because of what Jesus did for us, we get to be called children of God. In fact, we are co-heirs right alongside Him!

There’s no way to list all that God does and who He is, but here are several ways God is a Father to us:

He Loves Us
God’s love for us is so great as a Father that He actually sent His son to die for the sins we’ve committed. We can thank Him for such an incredible act of love by following Him wholeheartedly, and seeking to love others well in return. (1 John 4:9-11)

He Corrects Us
Nobody enjoys discipline, because it’s painful. But if we’ll receive it, we’ll become a better version of ourselves. Often, being disciplined brings about some of the greatest breakthroughs. (Hebrews 12:7-8, 11)

He Provides for Us
Our Father in heaven promises to provide for us. He tells us that we don’t have to wonder how our needs will be provided for—He just says they will! Let’s seek His kingdom and not worry about the rest. (Matthew 6:25-34)

He Forgives Us
Sometimes, we may think that our sins are too big for God to forgive them. Maybe you’ve felt far from God, and don’t know what to do. There’s some good news: He is always faithful to forgive you when you confess your sins to Him. (Psalm 103:9-12; 1 John 1:9)

He Makes a Home for Us
God has an inheritance for us. Unlike earthly money and possessions, this heavenly inheritance will never run out. Even now, a place is being prepared for us for when Jesus returns to get us. (John 14:1-4)

Let this be a guide to us as we parent our own children. Consider these truths about our God as our Father and see where you need to grow as a parent. Is our love dependent on their actions? Do we try to be their friend and not bring correction? Do we withhold forgiveness after their tenth mistake?

We won’t get it all right, but just because we’ll parent imperfectly doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to do our best. Over the next five days of this Plan, we’ll address some of the most important things we can implement into our relationships with our children in order to help them become healthy, responsible, independent adults.