TIP 47. GOOD SONS
Who we are as an individual and as a parent, proceeds out of our inner life and flows out of our heart. Whether as a parent we are raising boys or raising girls, we can be limited or released by the state of our past relationships and level of love that either flows or stagnates because of them. Broken relationships limit our ability to love freely, especially if the fracture is with our parents. It is therefore vitally important that we spend the time we need, to develop a strong relationship with our own fathers.
As a man and a parent we need to honour our own fathers and appreciate them for their input in our lives. We should show them the same respect that we want our children to show us. This is not always easy to achieve and takes an effort, especially for those that may not have a close relationship with their fathers. For some this may not even be possible, but it is still important that we reconcile our relationships with our fathers in our own hearts.
We may need to forgive them or ask for their forgiveness in prayer if they are no longer alive or inaccessible, for unless we forgive others our heavenly Father will not forgive us. Reconciliation is one of the primary requirements for successful living, because it changes our heart first, and gives us insight into what is needed in our role as fathers.
When fractured relationships are repaired, the restricted flow of love from our heart is restored to full function. Then we as a man and a parent are able to enjoy the freedom and joy we deserve and require in raising children. Our teaching on the Process of Forgiveness looks into this important issue in depth.
Dads' Call To Action:
Pray a Prayer Of Forgiveness:" Dear God, I know that I need your forgiveness in areas of my own life, because I too am imperfect. And now I ask that you will grant me your forgiveness, as I choose consciously to forgive my own father. I forgive him for all his imperfections, I pray that you will be gracious to him and show him your kindness, and I will honour him as my father and show him respect as you have commanded. Help me to do this Lord, in Jesus name I pray."
(Exodus 20 v 12)
"Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you."
(Matthew 6 v 14 )
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."