Parenting by Design - December 23

God's Example of Empathy

Gen. 3:21: The Lord made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them (NIV). Part One

Eating from the tree did not have the result Adam and Eve hoped. While they became like God in their ability to recognize both good and evil, they soon realized it was their own evil that was revealed. The result? Shame entered the world for the first time.

This single verse from the Bible has astounding ramifications! Despite Adam's and Eve's blatant disobedience, and the fact that incredibly significant consequences were going to be delivered, God responded with perfect empathy. After they committed the most significant sin of all time, God acknowledged their feelings and made garments of skin to cover their shame!

What an amazing and loving Father we have! As parents, we must try to model that same empathy to our kids, even in the midst of their disobedience. How? By soliciting their thoughts, feelings, motivations, and insecurities even as we deliver necessary consequences and grieving with them over the tough, but necessary lessons of life.

As you experience God's incredible love, let the overflow of a grateful heart motivate and guide your parenting.