Give Them Several Chances

Main Scriptures: Lk.15:11-24

More Scriptures: Ps.119:88, Jn.11:3, Phm 1: 9

The main Scripture of our devotional today is a rather long one. It is the story of the prodigal son. But the truth contained therein will help you to have a rethink about the position that you have taken against your wife and children. One of the sons of the rich man collected all his entitlements and went into a far country. In that strange land, he wasted all the resources and became a destitute-he was unkempt and hungry. However, his father, notwithstanding the riotous life of this son, waited patiently for a reunion and fellowship with his lost son. He hoped that one day his son will return. He prayed. He sought to seek that which was lost-his son. So, when the son suddenly appeared, the father wasted no time in welcoming his son back home and loving him again, the same way a shepherd will love his sheep when it is recovered and restored.

That is the attitude God wants you to have towards your wife and children, especially when they have gone the wrong way. It maybe that you have concluded that you can no longer love your wife again or you are no longer attracted to her because of her misbehavior. It could be that you may have given up hope on your children because they are living a riotous life. However, God wants you to act like the prodigal’s son father, who gave his son another chance.

It doesn’t matter how bad your wife and children may have acted in the past or even as you read this devotional, you can dare to love them again. You can revive those loving attitudes that you once extended to them. You can sincerely love them as Christ has loved the church. God gave them to you so that you can make them into a people of honour and dignity. For instance, it could be true that your wife does not appreciate your kindness or goodwill. It may even be true that she has not reciprocated all the goodness you showed her. You must not stop loving her, nonetheless. You must not contemplate divorce. You must not take unworthy steps that would bring the name of God to disrepute. You must honour God by giving her the God-kind of love. It is very important to note that love is not a feeling. It is a choice you make out of every unpleasant circumstance. For example for you to give to or pray for those who have not shown you kindness is love. To extend a helping hand or speak nice words to people who have insulted you in the past is love. This is the lifestyle, Jesus Christ, the perfect example of how husbands should behave, wants for you.

Your sheep may not be able to return to you respect and honour; don’t stop loving them. Give them several chances and in the process of time, the power of your love will overwhelm them and change their wrong attitudes

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

·         Father, in the Name of Jesus, give me a heart to love my wife and children as You would love them.

·         Father, in the Name of Jesus, help me to extend mercy and forgiveness to my sheep.

·         Father, in the Name of Jesus, help me to be hopeful for my sheep.

FAITH CONFESSION

I dare to give my wife and children several chances in love and mercy because that is what makes me a good and godly husband in Jesus Name. Amen.

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