There’s nothing they can do to make us stop loving them. But do THEY know that? I’m embarrassed to say that there was a point in time when my youngest daughter didn’t think so. She did something that made me so mad and frustrated. I responded to her with such disappointment that she said, “Daddy, I’m sorry you think I’m such a screw-up. Do you want me to go away?” With disdain for myself, I grabbed her, hugged her, reassured her that I’ll always love her, and asked her to forgive me for my terrible words and attitude. There’s good news though. God restores. Colossians 3:13 says it best: “Forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (NLT). As parents, we’ve got to do this BEFORE our kids ask.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Suggested Reading: Colossians 3:13