Loving Others Making Amends (3)
Wednesday May 18, 2016
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV)
All parents feel guilty at one time or another about how they have raised their children. Our own parenting skills may have been lacking if our needs were not met during childhood. Even the most conscientious parents can fail at meeting the needs of their individual children. As parents with no experience, we may have been at a loss as to how to meet the needs of our children, as little ones, as rebellious teenagers, or even as adults.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 NLT)
When parents fail to provide for their children’s needs, the children are hurt. As we consider making amends with our children we need to honestly confess that we failed in our parental responsibility. We need to help them understand that their childhood environments were not their fault and admit that they resulted from our inability to cope with meeting their needs. As we move forward, we can reaffirm our love for our children and let them know that we are now taking steps to change. When we make amends with an attitude of love and reconciliation, our relationship with our children may start to flourish and perhaps even last a lifetime.
I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far,” says the Lord, who heals them. (Isaiah 57:18-19 NLT)
Making amends today may include asking for God’s help to become a loving supportive parent.
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