“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”
Colossians 3:15
Studies show that among incarcerated individuals, broken or troubled relationships with their fathers is a familiar mark. I was no exception. I was an extremely difficult child; my dad was ill-equipped to deal with me lovingly. Without his affirmation and nurture, a profound sense of self-loathing and anger grew in me. For years I struggled to forgive him, even while I was a Christian and knew the Lord wanted me to.
Many of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to fill a dad-shaped hole that instead can be filled to overflowing with the divine love of our heavenly Father. When I grew in my relationship with God, I found I was able and eager to forgive my earthly father.
It’s of utmost importance that you grasp this most treasured story of grace: that you have been brought into the family of God! God chose you and loves you. His love transforms broken and sinful hearts into reservoirs of grace, compassion, and forgiveness. Relationships that were once marred by strife, pain, and separation become sources of light and love.
Many of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to fill a dad-shaped hole that instead can be filled to overflowing with the divine love of our heavenly Father. When I grew in my relationship with God, I found I was able and eager to forgive my earthly father.
It’s of utmost importance that you grasp this most treasured story of grace: that you have been brought into the family of God! God chose you and loves you. His love transforms broken and sinful hearts into reservoirs of grace, compassion, and forgiveness. Relationships that were once marred by strife, pain, and separation become sources of light and love.
Scripture Focus
Colossians 3:12-17
Insight
Whom can you practice compassion and forgiveness towards today? Pray and ask God to help you do so as a reflection of His perfect fatherly love.
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 5-6
- Psalm 48
- Luke 12