The Power of Father LoveSample

Thinking No Evil and Rejoicing over Truth

I have a friend whom I admire. He is always looking for the good in people. Never does he think evil of another or say something bad about them. Love simply does not behave that way. On the contrary, my friend has a way of making people feel good about themselves, not in a flattering way but with genuine caring.

He is shocked and grieved when a rumor about someone he knows is validated. He celebrates when falsely maligned people are exonerated. Not surprisingly, his love for others has led to his being deeply loved by his children and his community. The love of God in a Christ-follower is revealed in the loving way we react to gossip and innuendo about people. It is how we reflect God’s love for people.

Similarly, the child of God finds no enjoyment in the depraved and violent conduct of others – whether in real life or as depicted in entertainment. Popular television shows, movies, video games, and some of today’s music are filled with behaviors that are displeasing to God. The sinful desires of this fallen world do not originate with Him and He hates them. The Spirit of God that is indwelling the born-again believer causes him to be repulsed by the same things that displease his Creator. Because we love Him, we do not delight in such evil but rejoice in the truth (1 Cor. 13:6 NIV). We are attracted to and enjoy the truth of His Word and the things that pertain to it.

We fathers have the responsibility to model for our children what loving what God loves and hating what God hates looks like. Hated things include arrogance, lies, and other wickedness. Yahweh loves people and He rejoices in the truth. We are to assume the lead in regulating what our children consume. Clean movies, video games, and TV shows are widely available. There is wholesome music in every genre. As we find our pleasure in the things God approves, our children learn from our example.

If you have not already done so, introduce your child to Christian music in a style they enjoy. Find a source for wholesome movies for them to enjoy.