Daily Devotional- Parenting

Day 22

Romans 11:22
22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off.

BALANCING GOODNESS (LOVE) AND SEVERITY (TRUTH)

It is interesting to note the number of times the Bible describes God as exhibiting two attributes that are opposites. In this verse, they are goodness and severity. God's love is expressed in His goodness, but it is not His only characteristic. He is also severe with those who disobey. He balances these attributes perfectly as He relates to His children.

We are called to imitate God in our relationships with our kids. We cannot always be "good" because there will be times of rebellion and disobedience in their lives. We cannot always be "severe" because that creates resentment and fear. A balance between the two is our goal, and God promises to give us the wisdom to achieve that balance (Jas 1:5).

Ask God for the wisdom to balance goodness and severity in your relationships with your children.