Compassion Quotient

The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

Psalm 103:13

SO YOU’VE BLOWN IT (AGAIN) AS A DAD. Join the club. God calls us to have compassion on our kids, and sometimes compassion is the last thing on our lips and hearts. But God is still merciful toward us, even when we mess up as dads. The trick is not to wallow in self-condemnation or unhealthy guilt. (And ask your kids for forgiveness too.)

What’s your CQ (compassion quotient)? Have you learned how to forgive yourself for your parental shortcomings? Learning how to forgive yourself and accept grace and mercy from your heavenly Father is a trait you want to pass down to your own kids. After all, a good CQ toward yourself opens a door for learning that shuts out shame.

Your children can learn from you, even as you make mistakes. Do you expect perfection from yourself? Your kids will tend to carry the same traits they see you model, so a healthy outlook is important. Self-compassion may sound wrong, but compassion is always a godly response to suffering—why would we think it wouldn’t apply to our own pain? When you confess your failures, the Lord forgives you, and you can let it go.

Put out your own CQ today to the Lord (repent). Cry out to Him in your distress. He knows. He remembers you. And in your failures, He will forgive you and lift you up with tender compassion.

BOTTOM LINE

Ask God to show you where you need to give yourself grace.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 103:6-14