Devotions for Sacred Parenting #25: Stop Judging and Start Loving

“The sinful, selfish side of us truly wants and sometimes even expects a “perfect” child, but God doesn’t grant us “perfect” children in this fallen world—and even if he did, we imperfect parents would soon mess them up.” – Devotions for Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas

I’m pretty sure I’m not alone with finding myself in a situation with my kids where I’ve thought to myself “why can’t my kids just behave? What’s wrong with them?”. The second question is normally followed up with the fact that my daughter is special needs, and that’s the “problem”. However, as I continue to learn God is in the business of changing lives, and he’s sure working to change me. Every day I see areas that I need to change, and grow, and not my kids that simply need to be “fixed”.

“Our job isn’t to judge them for what they’re not but to love them as they are.” – Devotions for Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas

Too often I want my kids to be what I’ve decided I think they should be not what God has designed them to be. I make a bad habit of measuring what they do against my own flawed standards. God has placed these children in my care to teach them and to love them.

“every child stretches us, pushes us, challenges us, and—by God’s design—teaches us how to love.” – Devotions for Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas

Every day I need to make the decision, am I going to teach or demand, am I going to love them for who God has made them to be or judge them for not measuring up to what I think they should be.