Father Does Best
Luke 15:11-32
The idyllic television family depicted for years on shows like Father Knows Best or Leave it to Beaver is not the reality we live in: no family is without its problems! Similarly, the fathers in our media aren’t realistic either. Have a correct view of fathers; neither critical and dismissive, nor overly sympathetic. The reality is that father doesn’t always know best. Instead, concentrate instead on something you have more control over, focus on doing best with your actions and attitude.
A father does best when he affirms the differences between his children. God shows no favoritism and created every person with individual strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. A father shoes celebrate differences in his children, not demand uniformity.
A father does best when he allows a child to experience freedom. Even as caretaker of the family, you cannot be responsible for a person for the rest of his life. The only way to teach children the responsibility they need to stand on their own is by allowing them the freedom to make their own choices.
A father does best when he lets his child fail. One of the most destructive things you can do to your child is to constantly push them upward. Children will sometimes experience failures. They are damaged when even the smallest failures are unacceptable. Don’t make your love or affection depend on their success.
A father does best when he offers forgiveness. A father’s forgiveness is not conditional; God forgives those who offer forgiveness to others. This doesn’t mean that your child is without consequence, but a father has a plan to rebuild what has been damaged.
Forgiveness of others gives you L.I.F.E.
L- Liberates you from being a “debt collector” (someone who bears grudges and never lets things go)
I- Ignites in your heart the ability to receive God’s forgiveness toward you
F- Frees the person who is indebted to you
E- Enables rebuilding