I don’t know of any parent who intentionally wants to push their child away. You and I would rather draw them to us!

In the first chapter of John, we’re told that Jesus was “full of grace and truth.” I pray that that description would be our goal as parents, as well. In more than thirty years of working with teens, I’ve found that a lopsided approach to this formula isn’t helpful. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Truth with judgment pushes kids away. Truth with relationship draws them to you.

May we embrace both grace and truth in our homes. Grace to love without qualifications, and to build relationship consistently. And truth to keep us in line with God’s Word.

Are you pushing your kids away? Or drawing them to you?

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