Faithful and Just
He had lied. I gently confronted him in a moment of vulnerability and he confessed.
The topic of my son’s lie is essentially irrelevant — most children lie at some point, which means that many of you can relate to a parent’s perspective without my detailing it here.
Earlier in the day, my husband quizzed him about something we suspected he’d done and was met with vehement denial. When I later inquired again, his eyes fell and a quiet confession escaped his lips. We squared the issue and I encouraged him to apologize to his father for the layer of deceit.
Though I had alerted my husband to a pending apology, he didn’t elicit it. Instead, he waited, allowing my son the opportunity to come to him on his own timeline.
But he didn’t.
The day ran its course. Errands were run. Meals were shared. Projects completed. Conversations exchanged.
No confession. No apology.
My husband’s posture throughout the day was a glimpse into God’s character. He never withdrew his affection or support from our son. He graciously assisted with his tasks. He purchased and prepared meals. Pats of encouragement were given as needed. These loving actions revealed the nature of God in a way I won’t soon forget.
We can hide nothing from our Father in heaven. He knows our sins intimately. And is grieved by them.
But He doesn’t coerce our repentance. He waits.
God always desires for the sin-fracture in our relationship to be mended. Perhaps willfully avoiding the vulnerability of confession, we aren’t always quick to repent. But He never withdraws His love. He never turns away. He waits — patiently — until we draw near.
In the light of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are already forgiven in God’s eyes. But we must still — out of love, not fear — bow our hearts in confession and repentance. His response is certain:
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
— 1 John 1:8-10 The Message
He waits, ready to listen and forgive. Will you draw near?
Wow~ beautifully written as always, and such a great reminder that unconditional love does not include coercion or withholding affection. Humbling, to say the least!
Well said Kirsten,
You’re right, He doesn’t coerce our repentance or withdraw love. Thank you!
Love, Hester 😉
Thanks, Hester. Now, let’s see if I can better emulate that example, eh?
A lot of parents wouldn’t have mirrored our Heavenly Father’s grace and patience. Your husband is a godly father!
btw love the graphic, Kirsten. You’ve given me an idea 🙂
I’m sure you’ll dazzle us with some new graphics, Susan. Like your Monday pauses.
You probably didn’t know it at the time, but one of the reasons you wrote this was for me. Today. Perfectly. Thank you.
Sure didn’t know, Kim. But that’s what I love so much about God: He just doesn’t waste anything and instead can use it all to benefit one another. (Romans 8:28 in action!)
You have a way of weaving words today in such a way that they speak to the heart great truths from God. Thank you dear lady.
You have a way of weaving words today in such a way that they speak to the heart great truths from God. Thank you dear lady.
You have a way of weaving words today in such a way that they speak to the heart great truths from God. Thank you dear lady.
You have a way of weaving words today in such a way that they speak to the heart great truths from God. Thank you dear lady.
You have a way of weaving words today in such a way that they speak to the heart great truths from God. Thank you dear lady.
I love this part of your post:
“But He never withdraws His love. He never turns away. He waits — patiently — until we draw near.”
I see this as such a blatant truth in my own life. So many times in the past I have been running–from him, from repentance, from the idea of trying to be holy. And yet, no matter what kind of “rebel actions” I try to enact, he is always waiting for me, patiently, loving me, never changing. He is ready so that as soon as I start to even think about drawing near–he reaches out to me and reels me in. What a gracious God we serve, how well you capture his love for us here in this post. Tangible words, reflecting our glorious God.
Looove this one! So many truths and lessons here.
Wonderful writing too.
Thanks Kirsten!
Looove this one! So many truths and lessons here.
Wonderful writing too.
Thanks Kirsten!
Looove this one! So many truths and lessons here.
Wonderful writing too.
Thanks Kirsten!
Looove this one! So many truths and lessons here.
Wonderful writing too.
Thanks Kirsten!
Looove this one! So many truths and lessons here.
Wonderful writing too.
Thanks Kirsten!
Glad to hear it meant something to you, Carina! I appreciate your taking the time to comment.