Temporary Feelings

“I—hate—you!”

Nothing sears a parent’s soul like the words of a child. Even when we know it’s misdirected anger, a temporary feeling, or spoken in ignorance, it wounds our hearts and threatens to derail our deepest desire to be in a loving relationship with our child.

Like so many aspects of parenting, it also gives us a glimpse into how our heavenly Father feels when his children reject him. Thus, we can look to God’s wise example of how he deals with us.

In the story of the prodigal son, the father lets his rebellious son leave home and later runs to his son when he returns, depicting how our heavenly Father responds when people turn to him. We also read in Scripture that God corrects his people when they stray from his ways, protecting them from self-destructive behaviors and forgiving them when they repent. (Consider Jonah.) In another instance, God gave his chosen servant food and allowed him to nap to renew his strength while he was fearful and on the run. (Check out Elijah in 1 Kings 19.)

At times the Lord disciplines. Sometimes he lectures. Sometimes he pleads. At times he comforts.

Always, he loves.

Some time ago, the Lord appeared to me and told me to say:

Israel, I will always love you;

that's why I've been so patient and kind.

Jeremiah 31:3 (CEV)

It takes the wisdom of the Lord to know which tactic to use to woo a rebellious heart, but in all cases, we see God’s faithful love. Though we sometimes reject, wound, run away from, or even hate God, he keeps loving us.

Pray for wisdom on how to handle those temporary feelings of discouragement. Ask God to help you reflect his love to your children. Remember to keep the right perspective and how often the Lord has forgiven you in your actions towards him. When your little ones are tossed about by hormones or hunger, their hot heads, or hard hearts, keep being the lighthouse of love that orients them back home.

PRAY

Lord, your faithful love is incomprehensible . . . unmatchable. Thank you for forgiving and continuing to love me. Help me do the same for my child. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): How do you know I love you?

Apply: This question may catch both little ones and teens off guard! Use it as a chance to explain that your love for them is forever. It will not change with a mood or a particular day’s weather. It will not change if your children get really mad and yell at you. You still love them and always will.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Hosea 11:4

1 John 4:10