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Human love usually comes with strings attached. Friends can be fickle, dates can lose interest, and popularity can evaporate overnight. A teacher's approval seems to be based on grades, and a coach's praise is tied to performance. No wonder a child who occasionally fails feels like a failure all the way through.

Your children—of whatever age—need to know you love them no matter what. No matter what grades they get. No matter whether they make the team or not. No matter how badly they misbehave. No matter what stupid or immoral choices they make.

Too much to ask? You bet! On your own, you can never give that kind of love. But you're not on your own. You're on the receiving end of that very same unconditional love, flowing directly from the Father in heaven. So pass it on. (See also 1 Samuel 17:24-54; Psalm 139; Ephesians 1:3-14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15.)

Good Words to Remember:
[The younger son] arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Today's Challenge:
Does your love for your kids have strings attached? Why, or why not?

Bible Studies on Parenting and Family