Responding With Grace

The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father told his slaves, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.”

Luke 15:21-22, HCSB

GREG COULDN’T BELIEVE what he was hearing on the other end of the phone. His chest tightened as the father of one of his sixteen-year-old daughter’s friends recounted what had transpired during the past weekend. The words alcohol, party, and cops came through the phone, and Greg found himself vacillating between embarrassment, anger, deep sorrow, and sympathy. He sat down, but the emotional roller coaster continued as more details of Rachel’s wild weekend came out.

It should not shock and surprise us when our kids make mistakes. Paul makes it very clear in Romans 7 that doing the right thing isn’t as simple as just knowing better. No matter how well we have done our job of parenting, there will be times when our children blow it. How we respond to their mistakes is instrumental in determining how they understand grace and the gospel. If we allow our embarrassment and anger about their mistakes to guide our responses, we risk sending the message that they are loved and accepted only when they behave well. But if we respond to our children’s mistakes and sins with appropriate discipline balanced with grace, we can give them a picture of God’s unconditional love and acceptance, helping them understand that their value is not based on their performance.

BOTTOM LINE

Has your response to past mistakes given your children a deeper understanding of the gospel? Why or why not?

Moment of Strength: 2 Samuel 18:33