TODAY'S RHEMA Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
Neither children nor parents are perfect. There are some typical parents we are accustomed too. Some parents are too strict on their children. They don't either want to accept children's opinion or reason with them. They tend to enforce their will without thinking about what their children need. Some other parents have their "golden boy". This child is considered smarter and brighter than others. While some others ignore their children. They do not care enough to mentor and support children as they advance.
This kind of attitude can create the feeling of being rejected and sow the seed of bitterness and the loss of self-esteem. The bitterness can lead children to be rebellious. Some children may go against their parents' will for their opinions to be accepted and counted. If these feelings are not managed properly, they will keep accumulating in their life which will not do any good for their future.
As children, how many of us experienced the same thing and still hold grudges and are bitter with our parents up till now? We don't respect them, we even hate them. However, we must keep in mind that no matter how deep our hurt is, we wouldn't have been in this world without them. Though it's not easy, God wants us to forgive and love them. Remember, we are not perfect and how we also have and still hurt God's heart, but His love and forgiveness are always available for us. When we experience God's forgiveness personally and fill our hearts with His love, this will enable us to forgive our parents. By forgiving, it means that we cure our wounded heart. If need be, join Encounter service in your local church so that restoration and breakthrough in a family relationship can take place. God will also be pleased with new life in our family, full of love and mercy.
REFLECTION Saudara Terkasih, Fill your heart with the LOVE of GOD so that you're able to FORGIVE YOUR PARENTS no matter how deep the disappointment they caused.
APPLICATIONS 1. Do you still hold on to bitterness and disappointment caused by your parents? What was the problem? 2. What's the consequence of keeping those feelings? 3. Do you want to have a new relationship which is full of God's love with your parents? What will you do to make it real?
TODAY'S PRAYER "Father, thank You for giving me the best parents. Though sometimes I feel disappointed and hurt by them, I'm willing to cast them away. Fill my heart with Your love so that I'm able to forgive and love them sincerely. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
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