Amends with Children
Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:1-4
We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
All parents probably feel guilty at one time or another about how we have raised our kids. When there is addiction in the family, we are likely to be even harder on ourselves. We may just throw up our hands, giving up completely on parenting our children. If our needs weren't met during childhood, we may be totally at a loss; we may not know how to meet the needs of our little ones. We may be so overwhelmed by the responsibility of parenting that we stay in denial about how our lifestyles affect them.
The apostle Paul wrote, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). "Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged" (Colossians 3:21). Children also rely on their parents for their physical needs. Paul said, "Children don't provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children" (2 Corinthians 12:14).
When we fail to provide for our children's needs, they are hurt. It may be hard to face because we feel so overwhelmed ourselves. We can make amends by letting them know that it's not their fault. We can reaffirm our love for them and let them know that we're taking steps to change.
The fact of our recovery is best proven in our homes, with those we love.
To purchase this devotional please visit New Life Ministries
Taken from The Life Recovery Devotional: Thirty Meditations from Scripture for Each Step in Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. Copyright © 1991 by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
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