Tough Love

²⁸And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, ^(AY)God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
 ²⁹being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are ^(AZ)gossips,
 ³⁰slanderers, ^(BA)haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil,^(BB)disobedient to parents,
 ³¹without understanding, untrustworthy, ^(BC)unloving, unmerciful;
 ³²and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of^(BD)death, they not only do the same, but also ^(BE)give hearty approval to those who practice them.


Romans 1:28-32


God really wants us to live pure and holy lives but sometimes we need to make our own mistakes in hopes of turning back to Him.  In this passage, God saw the heart of these people, those who will not acknowledge God no matter how much God tries to call them into righteousness.  So He did what any loving father would do, use tough love.  


I'm not a father so I don't have first hand experience. And I don't know how much of my parents' teachings were "tough love" or not.  But I understand (with my head) the necessity if this in the right situations.  We have to allow the ones we love so much to make their mistakes, get their bumps and bruises.  This can be in relationships too.  We can try to shield someone from all threats but they will never learn how to deal with these situations when faced alone.  I need to let go and allow the Holy Spirit to stir in people's hearts.


Father God, thank You for a beautiful message about trusting You.  I cannot control everything even if I really wanted to.  Lord, I ask for Your Spirit to fill me up today (and every day) so that I can be faithful and obedient.  I continue to pray for my brother Alwyn.  Deposit Your miracles of healing and restoration in His life today.  I love You, in the matchless name of Jesus I pray, Amen!