The Gift Of The Love Of A Father

Today is my sweet mama’s birthday. Other than the marvelous gift of salvation, one of the greatest gifts God gave my mother was—her husband, my father. Their story is remarkable. She will tell you that my father is her favorite human. So, to celebrate her birthday, I’d like to share one of MANY reasons dad has been such a blessing to her, to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!

My father adopted us and modeled the love of the Heavenly Father. 

My father chose to adopt and love seven children. And none of us were angels! Well the youngest—Hannah is an angel—but for sure none of the rest of us were! 😊 You see, in my experience as an attorney, most people only want to adopt infants because they don’t have the baggage that comes with children who have been scarred and damaged. Most people want a clean slate before they invest immense amounts of love, money, and time.

But my dad didn’t see it that way.

When my dad and mom were married, my mom came with a package—three wild children. As the oldest—I was by far the most rebellious! Later in life they went on to foster dozens of children and adopted four more! As I look back at how my dad loved me–someone who was not even his own flesh and blood—it presents an incredible picture of my Heavenly Father. 

My dad gave us his name, called us his children, and treated us as his own.

Dad adopted my scarred little heart and sacrificially traded in his own goals to give me a loving home. He spent thousands of hours teaching me how to live. In the throes of my rebellion, I’m sure there were times when he wondered if I were a hopeless cause and all his work was just a big waste. But he knew—love is never wasted! He didn’t give up because his commitment to love—was unconditional. 

This is why I learned about my Heavenly Father’s love!

The Bible says: 

“Behold what manner of LOVE the FATHER has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we KNOW that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this HOPE in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

(1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭3)

Dad gave me the confidence of being unconditionally loved, so—when I was born again into the family of God—I had a much better idea of what His love looked like! We are all scarred with sin but God still desires a relationship with us. Jesus didn’t die a terrible death for those with a clean slate—NO—He died so that anyone could be in HIS family! Amidst our rejection, He extends the offer of His royal lineage to each of us. In fact, even while we are in the act of receiving His precious gift of salvation, He knows that our prodigal heart will rebel against His love and follow the foolishness of the world. He knows that our enemies lurk all around—just waiting to take us from His blessings.

But God loves us ahead of our sin.

Our Heavenly Father patiently disciplines, comforts, encourages, counsels, teaches, nourishes and even–adores us. We are His masterpiece and He loves us with a love that is beyond human capabilities. 

When we seek to know God and love Him with all of our heart, we learn that His love is our greatest experience.

So, if you see my sweet little mama today—wish her a happy birthday! Mom, as you celebrate your life, with the love of your life, know this—you and dad have taught your children to love well. We love you because God first loved us. God loved us through you. He loved us through dad. He gave us His Son and we see Him—in both of you! 

Your life is a precious gift and we celebrate it today with great thankfulness!

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” ‭‭

(Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭10‬, ‭28‬-‭31‬)

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

(3 John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬)

We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.

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