From: Words That Heal
By: Michael Ross & Brian Doyle
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. "Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth."
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.
More than 50 percent of American men have had a marginal to poor (or even worse) relationship with their biological fathers. Many are constantly told--and still remember--reckless words from their dads. Most can't recall words of blessing and encouragement. These adult men are then called to bless and encourage their own kids ... yet they don't know where to begin. What's more, they still carry wounds that need to heal. Here's the good news: These kinds of memories can be healed as men get connected to their Heavenly Father.
Jesus accepts us and loves us just as we are. He even provides a way for us to experience forgiveness and healing. These are the kinds of healing words we need to receive ... and then speak into our own families.
Questions:
Give your family a blessing. Jesus was in a river when He received this blessing: "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy" (Matthew 3:17). If the Son of God received a verbal stamp of approval from His Father, then we can all benefit from affirmation. "I'm proud of you. I love you. I enjoy watching God shape you into the amazing person that you are." There's special power when those words come from the mouths of fathers, and even the most cantankerous kids admit they long to hear approval from their moms and dads. What kinds of messages are you going to share with your loved ones?
Be willing to say you're sorry. Face it: No parent is perfect. When fathers blow it with their kids--breaking promises or flying off the handle--they should be willing to admit it and even ask for forgiveness. Evaluate your home life. Do you need to tell someone that you're sorry?
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