Break Bad Habits
Build Better Ones
Become Better Men
- Nate Whitson -
My wife and I found something disturbing in one of my kids' rooms a while back.
It was one of those, "Wow...this is going to change things" kind of moments.
The heaviness of what could result from this discovery was one that (not to be too dramatic) takes your breath away.
It was big.
What do you do in those moments?
What is your first reaction?
For me, it often triggers anger.
I get frustrated and think, "How could you do this?! You were raised better than this!"
But then God, in His grace, pulls me back down.
I quickly remember all of the stupid things that I've done - especially as a teenager and young adult - and never got busted for them in the moment.
I remember all the times I've failed Him (and others) time and time again - only to be shown mercy and kindness that I didn't deserve in equal measure.
How about you?
This leads me to this question:
What's the best type of approach for moments like this when you know you need to address something difficult with a loved one and you know it's attached to big consequences?
I don't know if there's just one right answer, but here's what keeps coming back to me from our Fight Club Prayer, which includes 1 Corinthians 16:14:
"Do. Everything. In. Love."
As a husband, when your wife lets you down...this ought to be your response.
As a father, when your kids let you down...this ought to be your response.
As a follower of Jesus, when other people or life lets you down...this ought to be your response.
Discipline in love.
Correct in love.
Make decisions in love.
Confront in love.
Do everything in love.
I don't know about you, but this takes every ounce of manhood that I've got to respond this way, and I bet the same is true for you as well.
May God give us strength and grace to love others like He's loved us.
Nate
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P.S.
What is your first response when someone hurts you or lets you down in a big way?
For me, the answer isn't typically to love them well.
And yet, I know that's the way that God's treated me.
Do you have a story of a time when you've failed BIG TIME and someone loved you well anyway?
Send it to me if so. I'd love to hear it! 📧[email protected]
