“The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.” Proverbs 23:24
Parents who love Jesus are delighted in their sons and daughters who love Jesus. There is a profound pleasure that occurs when parents can enjoy the fruit of their faithful parenting. Wise and humble parents understand children who follow the Lord are a result of God’s grace. They embrace truth because He is truth. They receive wisdom because He gives wisdom. They have discipline and understanding because they are His disciples.
Delighted parents are full of gratitude to God for the gift of godly children. There is not a day goes by that they do not go to the Lord and thank Him for the love and obedience in their child’s heart. It gives them great joy to see Jesus preeminent in their child’s conduct and character. You honor your parents when you honor the Lord. Make it a goal to gladden the hearts of your parents. You are a reflection of them, so make them proud parents.
You are also Christ’s representative. As a child of God your Heavenly Father delights in your heart for Him. Do people see Jesus in your attitudes and actions? Is grace and forgiveness your first response? Jesus has great joy when you worship Him in spirit and in truth. He smiles when He sees you say kind and encouraging words to hurting hearts. Your Heavenly Father is also extremely pleased with your obedience to His call.
He expressed His pleasure to His Son, “And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Do you regularly receive affirmation from the Almighty? Do you lavish affirmation on your children? Tell them how proud you are of them and their wise choices. Delighted parents do not sit silently but celebrate Christ’s influence on their offspring. Am I a delight to my Heavenly Father? “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
Related Readings: 1 Kings 2:1-9; Daniel 1:1-21; Luke 15:23-24; Philemon 1:9-20
Source: Seeking Daily the Heart of God Boyd Bailey
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