A Parent’s Love
February 14, 2024
Adult children mess up. They are human too! Parents of adult children misbehaving are often misunderstood. Why do they still love? Why do they wait expectantly for a positive phone call? Why are they willing to forgive? There is a fine line between unconditional love and enabling bad behavior.
Scripture offers a clear case study with King David and his son Absalom, a handsome charismatic leader who attempted to overthrow his dads kingdom, have him killed, and was exiled for murder.
Why did news of Absalom’s death cause David despair? “My son, my son Absalom. If only I had died instead of you.” I Samuel 18 33. Perhaps David remembered spoiling him, not holding him accountable. Maybe he remembered his own transgressions. Loving does not mean allowing or approving, but it does mean forgiving.