For I Am the Perfect Father

March 19

Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Parenting is a tough job.  There can be a lot of ups and downs as well as uncertainties along the way.  No two children are the same, and what worked for one child might not work for another child.  A “time out” to the corner or their room for a little while may cause one child to be remorseful for what they’ve done.  Another form of discipline may be needed for the next child because a “time out” doesn’t work for them.  This was true for my three children.  What worked for one of my kids did not guarantee the same thing would work for the other two.  At times, it was a struggle to find “what worked” for each child.

Not always knowing what was the best approach meant I made mistakes.  I did not always do things right or well.  I tried to do my best with what I had and what I knew, but there were times I made mistakes and messed things up.  My love for my children did not mean I was perfect and would always do things right and well.  What they needed from me when I messed up was recognition of that and an apology for doing them wrong.  They knew I was not perfect, and hearing an apology from me told them I acknowledged my wrongdoing and was sorry for what I had done.  Although I made mistakes, they knew I loved them.  That didn’t change.

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” is an impossible challenge to meet.  I am human.  I am flawed.  I am sinful.  I am not perfect.  But, my Father in heaven is perfect.  He is full of unconditional love, grace, and mercy that is boundless and never-ending, and He lavishes it on me. God is always present.  He is never absent or unavailable, and He is always attentive to my needs. He hears me when I pray.  God is forgiving.  He forgives my sins - every single one of them without hesitation or reservation - when I confess them to Him.  Not only does He forgive, but He chooses to forget them (Psalm 103:12, Isaiah 43:25, Jeremiah 31:34).  God lovingly guides His people and offers them wisdom and protection from harm.  He is the perfect Father doing all of this - and more - for His children.