The Power of Father LoveSample

The Covering Power of Love

I was embarrassed for the child as his father belittled him in front of his friends. Visibly upset, the boy hung his head in shame.

How sad when one who should have his child’s best interest at heart is the one who shames the child in public. Agape love, in sharp contrast, behaves differently. Love bears all things (1 Cor.13:7). Love covers all things is how the original words may be translated. Love covers the faults of others… even a multitude of sins.

Publicly shaming a child humiliates them. It may result in a lack of trust in the parent who dishonors them in that way. It can also lead to the child mimicking that behavior as a bully to other children. In short, humiliating a child is unloving. Christ never embarrasses us for our failings. A Christ-following dad is responsible for protecting his child’s self-esteem and for guarding his tender feelings. The nurturing thing to do is to correct one’s child in private, while in fatherly love bearing with the youngster’s shortcomings in public. This avoids causing shame and shields the child's flaws from public view.

One who has the kind of love described in the Bible is never anxious to publicize the faults of his child, his spouse, or anyone else. He does so only when obedience to God requires it. Rather, what we say should be helpful and tenderhearted, so that our words will be an encouragement to others. This is required at all times for Disciples of Christ, and especially in public. To do otherwise is to grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

Love also believes all things and hopes all things (1 Cor. 13:7). A father’s love is always looking for the best in each child. Even under the worst of circumstances, the father who deeply loves his child is always hoping and believing they will be okay. Better than okay. Even when his child has stopped believing in herself, the loving dad has enough belief and hope for both of them. This kind of love never loses faith. A father’s agape love always believes his child can change.

Prayerfully think about your behavior as a parent. If you have ever publicly shamed your child, earnestly express regret and ask for their forgiveness.