The Power of the Father's Love
We have a good friend who is a worldwide minister, and years ago when his daughter was in her late teens, she got off course and was living a partying lifestyle. Her father was always waiting up for her, trying to correct her, but it didn't seem like it was getting better.
One day the father was praying and said, "God, when are You ever going to help me with my daughter?" He felt God speak to his heart and say, "I'm going to help you as soon as you start loving her." The father replied, "God, what do you mean? I do love her with all of my heart." God said, "Well then, quit harping on her, quit threatening to punish her, and start showing her that you love her."
From that day forward, this father never said another harsh word to his daughter. He started telling her, "Honey, I love you. I believe in you. I'm proud of you. I know God has something great in store for you." He started speaking words of blessing over her life, and when he changed his approach, she changed her response.
It didn't happen overnight, but over several months, this young lady totally turned her life around. She rose to the level of what he spoke over her. He brought change into their relationship by doing things God's way which set the stage for a miracle.
Do you need to see change in your relationships today? Let it start with you. Ask God to show you how your words and actions can influence the people around you. Fathers, your words are especially important to your children whether they act like it or not. But all of us need to realize—whether it's a child, friend, spouse or coworker, remember you always have influence. Because of the power of Father God's love for us, we can influence when we love others.
This weekend, we celebrate Father's Day. Happy Father's Day to all the dads. You are important. Your words are important. Your love is important, and this world needs your strength and godly example. Thank you for loving your families and leaving a legacy of faith for future generations!
He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities…As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:10,13, NIV)
One day the father was praying and said, "God, when are You ever going to help me with my daughter?" He felt God speak to his heart and say, "I'm going to help you as soon as you start loving her." The father replied, "God, what do you mean? I do love her with all of my heart." God said, "Well then, quit harping on her, quit threatening to punish her, and start showing her that you love her."
From that day forward, this father never said another harsh word to his daughter. He started telling her, "Honey, I love you. I believe in you. I'm proud of you. I know God has something great in store for you." He started speaking words of blessing over her life, and when he changed his approach, she changed her response.
It didn't happen overnight, but over several months, this young lady totally turned her life around. She rose to the level of what he spoke over her. He brought change into their relationship by doing things God's way which set the stage for a miracle.
Do you need to see change in your relationships today? Let it start with you. Ask God to show you how your words and actions can influence the people around you. Fathers, your words are especially important to your children whether they act like it or not. But all of us need to realize—whether it's a child, friend, spouse or coworker, remember you always have influence. Because of the power of Father God's love for us, we can influence when we love others.
This weekend, we celebrate Father's Day. Happy Father's Day to all the dads. You are important. Your words are important. Your love is important, and this world needs your strength and godly example. Thank you for loving your families and leaving a legacy of faith for future generations!
He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities…As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:10,13, NIV)