Monday, July 27, 2015

Out of Love

People can get quite familiar with the phrase "I'm doing this out of love". Sometimes this however is not used in the proper context.
It is one thing if you tell your three year old "I'm doing this out of love" to explain why they are getting a punishment, it is another however to say this to your adult child to get them to conform to what you believe is right.

Proverbs 22:6
     "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

However, if you allow your child to do this and that, and not give him proper instruction, he will depart and choose his own way. On the other hand some children are given all the attention and instruction needed to become high functioning adults yet once they reach adulthood they depart. These are two scenarios in which people use the phrase "I'm doing this out of love"; but what if the child uses this sentence on the parent?
When does an adult need correction and are their grown children a viable option? I believe yes, if you do not have another person that they either trust or respect.
People tend to stray one way or another over time and sometimes this can take families by shock. Just as when children make decisions that are harmful to themselves and need correction with explanation, occasionally adults need the same from their relatives to lead them back on a straight path. Usually it is on a more gentle scale. Instead of giving option A or B to a child, an adult is given  multiple opinions, and ultimately will need to choose the option, that they believe, will work best for them.

Proverbs 12:15
        "The way of a fool is wise in his own eyes: but he that harkeneth unto counsel is wise."

By receiving wise counsel from those who you not only respect but also respect you, the advice given is made "out of love". However, no matter how wise the option you must always pray and ask God for advice, and to seek His plan for your life.

Proverbs 19:21
     "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand."

To do things "out of love" is the ultimate sacrifice. Whether you are giving advice to a child, friend, or adult, always give counsel that will better them and that which is given through correction in Christ. They may not always choose your opinion to guide them but you must love them regardless and continue to show Christ's love to them. 


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