Parenting and Grace

 ... I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.  But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those[a] who love me and obey my commands. (Exodus 20:5-6 NLT)

Yikes!  As I read this scripture, I begin to feel an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.  I think about my children and how precious they are to me.  I want nothing more than to raise them to be God fearing adults with strong character and hearts filled with love and compassion.  Honestly though, I’m not always so confident that I’m doing the greatest job.  I read a scripture like the one up above and I am once again reminded how serious our calling as a parent is.  I find myself asking if I really measure up to the standards God has for me as a parent.  Am I following his commands with obedience?  Are my current choices and mistakes in life a possible detriment to my children's future?  Parenting can be frustrating.  We all fall short of the Lord's expectations, just as our children fall short of our expectations.  Fortunately for us, God's grace covers and renews us each and every morning.  He does not expect us to be perfect parents, but rather to do our best and let him do the rest.  At the same time our Heavenly Father is showing us grace, He is modeling His expectation of us for our own children.  Our children deserve the same patience and grace that God bestows upon us.

 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness..." (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)

When we love the Lord and we try our best to obey His commands, He knows it.  He covers us with grace, and when we are weak, His power is made perfect.  Our children love us and do their best as well.  But there are certainly times where we need to show them grace in their weakness.  Looking back at the first scripture, ask yourself what sins are in your life that may be passed on to your children and theirs.  Ask for help from our God to break that generational curse to protect your children from facing the same struggles that you face.  Allow His grace to be sufficient in your life, and continue to lavish love and grace upon your children.  With His help, you can be that parent that you desire to be!