Real Love

Do you know what real love looks like?

A child may think that real love is being given whatever you want. But that is childish… Real love is displayed in Proverbs 3:12 when it says, “For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights” (New Living Translation).

Correction is bringing into proper alignment our relationship with God and others. If you are off balance, out of order, or you just plain missed the mark the most loving thing to do is to show you the right way.  You may be tempted as a parent to let things slide, but that keeps your daughter or son from learning the lesson that God designed for her or him.

However, be careful: A father or mother who corrects harshly is rebuked by Paul in Ephesians 6:4 when he says “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord” (NLT). When you discipline, remember you are discipling your child in God’s ways, not your preferences. Your child is only on loan from God. You are stewarding one of the most precious vessels, so be careful to show your daughter or son real love.