Correcting and redirecting kids is a huge part of motherhood isn’t it? It’s a big part of being a grandma too. (Although I will admit, the guidelines get more relaxed!) It’s easy to recognize that kids need boundaries and course-correcting because that’s what kids do: they push the boundaries. It’s human nature.
I’ve greatly admired how our eldest daughter and her husband have modeled the never-ending love of Jesus to their kids through their discipline process. When their little ones need correction, they give their children a timeout or consequence, talk about what behavior needs to change, and then they closely hold them and have a gentle conversation in which they ask: “Whose team are you on?” Their kids always say,”Your team.” Then they ask, “And whose team are we on?” With even bigger smiles their kids respond, “MY TEAM!”
Forgiveness is extended and they move forward together. Those kids KNOW that they’re loved unconditionally and that their parents are for them.
How similar this is to Jesus’ love for us. He wants us to course-correct when we’ve gone the wrong way, but when we seek his forgiveness, he, too, pulls us close and gently reminds us of the better way to go. He extends forgiveness and promises never to hold it against us; he then encourages us to move forward in healing and “sin no more” (John 8:11). He’s on our team. ALWAYS.
I’ve journeyed with Jesus for a long time, so why is it that when I mess up, I forget whose team I’m on? It’s those sneaky lies, the ones the enemy uses to condemn us:
Your body is full of flaws.
You’ll never find quiet time with Jesus because you always waste it on social media.
You’re a fraud – you claim to walk with Jesus but you keep messing up.
Why would he want a child like you?!
Lies lies lies! But let Jesus continue to remind you: NOTHING can separate you from his love because you’re his KID!
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
Our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally, no matter what we say or do. Just like you are not surprised that your children need course-correcting, he is not fazed by our shortcomings, failures, or mistakes. It grieves him when we have to learn lessons the hard way, but he always welcomes us back. Immediately and always. When you choose Jesus as your Savior, his grace covers all of your mistakes. Jesus took our place on the cross for every single one of our weaknesses: past, present, and future. He’s already decided that he will make beauty out of the ashes of our lives when we get around to turning our face toward him. He walks forward WITH us. Always.
So how do we make sure that we KNOW we’re on our Father’s team and no one else’s? Choose to read his Word! Plant scripture in your heart and you’ll hear his truth. God’s unconditional love promises that nothing can separate you from him! Nothing! So pick out a scripture verse today that will help you remember that you’re always on his team.
Journal/Reflection questions:
- What areas in your life cause you to doubt that Jesus doesn’t love or see you?
- Ask God this question:“Will you please tell me how you see me in the areas of pain and struggle that make me feel separate from you?”
Kathy Morgan has been married to her best friend, Bob, for over 38 years. Together they have four grown, married children and 9 grandchildren. Kathy is a Hospital Chaplain and loves mentoring women, hosting ministry events in her home, prayer, cooking, reading historical Biblical fiction, and eating all forms of potatoes.