Last Updated on March 20, 2018
One of my kid’s friends had come over to spend the night. I am always happy to have their friends for as long as they want to be here, but that particular night I was thankful to have this particular friend over. I knew that there had been some conflict at home, and I was hoping for a chance to encourage this young person. I also knew it would give the parents a time of rest.
I tried to serve this precious young person while they were here, and I spent time praying for them. As usual, I went to bed long before the party broke up. When I woke up the next morning, I found everyone sleeping in after a late night. I quietly got up and made coffee.
As I was making breakfast, I was thinking about the young person who had spent the night, about his parents, and how it can sometimes be so hard to be patient with our children when they resist authority and push to get their own way. It is the most helpless feeling I have ever experienced, to have your child not heed your advice.
As I was praying for the young person who was sleeping on my couch, I sensed God reminding me about the grace He pours out on me every day, even when I am rebellious and resist His authority. Then I felt Him nudge me a little and He said, “Serve that young person breakfast in bed!” At that moment it was the very thing I needed to picture what God does for me on a daily basis. He lavishes me with His riches and blessing when I don’t deserve it. When I have done nothing to earn it. When I have not heeded his warnings. Like this young person who was resisting their parents, I resist God’s counsel at times.
I quickly made breakfast and sat it on the table by the couch for them to find when they woke up. I thanked God for the practical ways I can show grace to my children and their friends. A picture of how God deals with all of us. As Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
And John 1:16 says, “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
We have the opportunity to show our children how God loves us, by loving them in the same way! When we choose practical ways to show them grace, when humanly speaking they don’t deserve it, we can help them understand the gospel and what kind of God we serve!
What are some practical ways you can show grace to your children today?
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Thanks for the reminder of God’s grace, Gina, and a practical way to show it. I’m at a camp this week with 200 5th graders. I believe I will have tons of opportunities.