Matthew 9:36 states: “ But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”In a very real way, this Scripture applies to us fathers (and also mothers). God wants all parents to be vitally involved with shepherding their children. Where there is no shepherd, the family will weaken (they will faint by the way). Where there is no shepherd, the family will be scattered by the wolves of our times.
A few days ago, the 28th of this month, it was the anniversary of the passing away of the famous singing evangelist, Keith Green. He was tragically killed in a small aircraft crash in Texas. He is renowned for his strong convictions against all Christians compromise and hypocrisy.
In honor of Keith Green, I would like to encourage all Chrisian men, especially, fathers, to be especially strong to resist all temptation to compromise the high value of godly manhood and fatherhood.
We fathers are called to be merciful to our immature children. There are those that point the finger to those who show mercy. If it is possible to show mercy without compromising the truth, then let us take that road. That is the road the father of the prodigal son took who wasted his inheritance and spent it on riotous living.
Fathers, and mothers, we are to be loving, kind, and merciful to our children. Even when it is appropriate to discipline, do it with mercy. Harsh, tough religious hard-liners have no room in their hearts for mercy and compassion. We must never allow ourselves to compromise these great values of mercy and compassion. The father in the story of the prodigal son represents God, our heavenly Father who never loses His love for all the prodigals in this entire world.
He runs to meet the prodigal and welcomes them back home with great joy and gladness.
If not, why not? If it was most gracious for God to show such mercy and grace towards us, then why are we so willing to join the church of condemnation? Does not that reek of hypocrisy and compromise of God’s great mercy?
If in our homes we show anger, control, domination, and also argumentative and negative moods and yet at the same time declare we are religious, we do not represent our heavenly Father’s home. The father in Jesus’ story revealed the fatherhood of God who longs for the prodigals to return to “Home Sweet Home.”
Our homes are only as sweet as those who live in them.
James 2:14 (GW): “No mercy will be shown to those who show no mercy to others. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
881 Hits
There are many folks in America who live in beautiful homes. On the outside they look like mansions with a gorgeous, grand appearance. The lawns and gardens are spacious and delightful to the eyes. Even on the inside they have everything that the heart could wish for. But sadly, the real treasures are nowhere to be found.
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
This is shared for husbands from an older married Christian's woman's point of view to make tough spousal moments smoother. We have observed through the years that there are two common misunderstandings among married men:
