Needed, Love and Forgiveness

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Today is Fathers’s Day - A day to celebrate and thank dads for who they are and what they do. However, it is not always the day it was meant to be - when it come to fathers.

Some fathers give their children everything they need. Some fathers spoil their children and indulge every whim to the detriment of their character.

Some dads are nurturing, supportive, caring, gentle. Some fathers are abusive neglectful, unfeeling, or cruel.

Which kind of father do you feel deserves love and respect? If you are honest, you would answer that the first example is the worthy one. What is more difficult is loving the father who rarely has a sensitive word.

In fact, maybe as you read about these negative qualities your own father came to mind. Perhaps you hate even the mere mention of Father’s Day because the memories of the present reality, bring pain and renewed hurt.

There is hope. Jesus knew the cure for a heart wounded by a parent - forgiveness. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you...” (Verse 34).

When you hang on to bitterness towards your father, living or dead, your heart and your present family life pay the price. As your Savior, Jesus forgives you of everything; and His forgiveness liberates you to love as He does. Let go today. His love is the only solution.