Sticky Change

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

Psalm 103:13

RICK COULDN’T BELIEVE WHAT HE WAS SEEING. The drinking cup—the full drinking cup—had somehow been crushed as his son was getting out of the car, and now there was sticky soda everywhere. It not only completely filled its own cup holder, but the one next to it and an adjoining change holder as well. And Rick’s jacket was a soggy mess.

Rick was so angry that words escaped him. He couldn’t even express in complete sentences to his son what was wrong. “Cup crushed. Soda mess. Car cup holders. Paper towels, now!” The poor kid’s eyes were as big as saucers. He was in trouble. Dad had told him not to get in the car with an uncovered cup.

We are God’s children, and we mess up all the time. Thankfully for us, though, God’s patience and mercy go far beyond what we deserve or expect. When we seek His forgiveness, He willingly grants it. His Son gave His life to assure us that we wouldn’t have to pay for our sins. Yes, there can be consequences, but there is no condemnation or punishment from God.

Did Rick’s son deserve punishment? Maybe. But in the grand scheme of things, it could have been much worse. There had been plenty of times when Rick himself had done careless things as a kid. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we showed everyone—not just our children—something like the same kind of compassion that God has for us?

BOTTOM LINE

God calls fathers to offer their children grace and mercy just as He offers us grace and mercy. Discipline should always be administered with love.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 130:3-4