In our previous piece we looked at the believing father's relationship with his children. He leads to ensure that he and his family serve the Lord. He teaches his children to trust and obey God.

However, there are still a number of biblical lessons that we can look at to learn more about the Christian father's relationship with his children. Just as God accepts us with all our sins, so this father accepts his children for who they are.

Parents, do not irritate your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21

He keeps on loving his children although they may do wrong and hurt him deeply. Let’s learn from King David. Absalom murdered his half brother Amnon in order to take revenge on him. Their father, King David, was devastated when he heard about it.

While they were on their way home, David was told: “Absalom has killed all your sons—not one of them is left!” The king stood up, tore his clothes in sorrow, and threw himself to the ground. The servants who were there with him tore their clothes also. But Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shammah, said, “Your Majesty, they haven’t killed all your sons. Only Amnon is dead. You could tell by looking at Absalom that he had made up his mind to do this from the time that Amnon raped his sister Tamar. So don’t believe the news that all your sons are dead; only Amnon was killed.” In the meantime Absalom had fled. 2 Samuel 13:30-34a.

Despite the heartache that his son Absalom had brought upon him, David still loved him.

He gave orders to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: “For my sake don’t harm the young man Absalom.” And all the troops heard David give this command to his officers. 2 Samuel 18:5

Like the priest Eli, he sometimes fails in the upbringing of his children. The sons of Eli took advantage of their position as priests, which they misused in different ways. All their father’s warnings fell on deaf ears. You can read the story in 1 Samuel 22-25a.

Perhaps you feel today that you have failed your children. But you can be sure of God’s forgiveness. The Bible challenges you to reboot, to start from the beginning, and to fulfil your task and calling as a godly father.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please give me the strength to daily live out my love for my children. Thank you that your Spirit who lives in me will guide me in my task. Amen