Maybe in your house no child has wavered in their faith. No one has walked the road of a prodigal. There was never a blatant stand taken- opposing to God and His standards. I can’t claim that and it’s left me wondering many times… how does God want me to respond?
God is perfect in His balance of justice & mercy. He has the advantage of seeing all the motivations of a heart. He views each life, from beginning to end. And always judges rightly. I don’t have this vision or perspective. Yet am called to live by faith and love unconditionally.
How?
“Have mercy on those who waver; save others by snatching them out of the fire; have mercy on others, coupled with a fear of God, hating even the clothes stained by the flesh. Jude 1:22-23
For me, it’s a constant evaluation of words and actions. I can not control my grown children’s behavior. I can only control my reactions. Desperate not to hinder God’s work in their lives, I pray a lot and watch for that great teacher: natural consequences.
Too much justice – I will ruin the relationship.
Too much mercy – I offer no Truth.
Mercy feels more loving, yet love is not real love without truthful fear of God. Therefore I’m real-life working out my salvation with fear and trembling. I don’t have all the answers, so I pray to err on the side of grace and stay humble. After all, God has been so gracious to me.
He promises to be faithful with whatever I entrust to Him and to finish what He started! I know that His justice & mercy will be perfect even when mine are not.
“Thank You Father for knowing how to straighten our crooked paths. You are our Rock, the One ever-present in trouble. Guide us as we parent – in Jesus’ name.”
ForGlorySake! –Anna
