Becoming a parent gives you a whole new perspective on the relationship between a father or mother and their child. As a child, your viewpoint can sometimes be shortsighted because you haven’t yet experienced life as an adult or gone through certain vital life experiences that shape your understanding. A child might often wonder why a parent gets upset over seemingly small things—like telling a little lie, staying out too late, failing an exam, or spending too much time on distractions. But as a parent, you begin to see the bigger picture.
A few weeks ago, my daughter hid her homework books and lied to her dad and me, claiming she had no homework. This happened two days in a row, which felt unusual, especially since I’m familiar with her school schedule. I followed up with her teacher and discovered she had indeed lied. While she’s still young, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed—not just because of the lie, but because it was so out of character for her. That evening, we had a long talk about the importance of honesty, and I also set some ground rules to reinforce the lesson.
As a child, she might have wondered why I made such a big deal out of a “little” lie. But as a parent, I see things differently. I know what it’s like to be a child, and I also know what it’s like to be an adult. I’ve seen the consequences of seemingly small mistakes and bad habits that we often overlook in our younger years. I’ve witnessed people suffer the fallout of poor decisions, and I’ve made my own mistakes along the way. Parenthood gives you a clearer lens—one that allows you to see the full picture and strive to guide your children onto the right path.
Suddenly, you understand why your parents or guardians gave you certain advice or instructions. For those who didn’t have strong parental figures, parenthood becomes an opportunity to be the role model and hero you wish you’d had. It’s a chance to break cycles and create a legacy of love, wisdom, and guidance.
So, imagine the disappointment when your children blatantly ignore your counsel, turn a deaf ear, and do what they think is right in their own eyes—especially when you can clearly see, through your adult lens, that their decisions and disobedience will lead to their ruin. It grieves you, and rightly so, because it hurts to see the children you love so dearly walk a path that leads to their detriment. It’s like the father of the prodigal son, watching his child walk away, knowing the hardships that lied ahead.
Ironically, this is how we sometimes grieve God. In Genesis 6, when humanity turned away from God and embraced perversions, the Bible says it grieved God that He had made man. I believe God was expressing the heart of a Father—a Father who created us in His own image and likeness, only to watch us stray. How often do we grieve Him? How often do we disregard His Word, ignore His guidance, or walk away because His promises seem delayed? God sees the end from the beginning. Every instruction, every rebuke, and every moment of pruning is not to hurt us but to prepare us, protect us, and lead us toward His promises.
Take a moment to reflect on your relationships—both with your earthly parents and your heavenly Father. Are you grieving them? If so, it’s not too late to turn back. This message is not for everyone, but if it speaks to you, you’ll know. A father’s arms are always open, eager to embrace his child no matter how far they’ve strayed, longing to welcome them back home.
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