36 A PARENT IS THE FIRST PICTURE OF GOD
THEIR CHILDREN SEE.

This is a good place for a self-test. What kind of picture is your child seeing? John writes that God is love. So the portrait of God a child sees in and through you must be anchored in love.

So let’s go to 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter defines the unconditional love of the father that fills and flows through our lives into our children. Put an “x” on the line that reflects where you are right now in communicating love to your children.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:4–8 NIV)

My attitude and actions toward my children are:

Patient     Impatient

Kind     Mean

Humble     Arrogant

Mild-tempered     Angry

Forgiving     Unforgiving

Protecting     Exposing

Constant and reliable     Inconsistent

Unconditional     Conditional

Are your children seeing God through you or are you blocking the view? Loving children with the love of God means that you seek the best for your children. It’s your desire that their deepest needs are met.

And in loving your children, you model for them how to love others unselfishly. Do your children experience the Father’s love through you?

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:13) Action Steps I/We Need to Take