After reading a Bible study lesson, I started to reflect on my troublesome-teen years and how my mother never gave up on me. I made poor decision after poor decision, and she stayed by my side through it all. This got me thinking about my own son and what I would do if faced with the same awful circumstances my mom faced years ago.
What would I do if I had to watch my son make horrible life decisions and he was about to experience their ugly consequences? My HEART would tell the “Compassionate Mom” in me to swoop down and save him before he felt the bitter sting of these consequences. My MIND would tell the “Responsible Mom” in me to allow him to suffer the consequences of his poor decisions in order to bring about repentance, forgiveness, and positive change. Dear God, do I have to choose between them?!
His answer to me . . .”No, you can do both!” God would tell the “Responsible Mom” in me to use all my STRENGTH and all my LOVE to hold my son accountable and allow him to face the consequences of his poor decisions. God would then tell the “Compassionate Mom” in me to use all my STRENGTH and all my LOVE to encourage, care for, and help my son through the process of repentance, forgiveness, and positive change. God is All-Just and All-Merciful!
Memory Verse:
“For sadness as intended by God produces a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret, but worldly sadness brings about death.”
– 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, thank You for blessing me with the joys and struggles of motherhood. Please help me to raise my children to love and seek Your will in their lives. Help me to be a responsible parent who holds godly standards for her children, but also be a compassionate parent who loves her children regardless of their poor decisions. Thank You, Lord, for being both All-Just and All-merciful. Help me now in dealing with…”
Contributing Writer:
Christina L. Ketchum
Christina L Ketchum
Life Branch, Inc.
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