So what do we do with the child who just doesn't respond to everything we are doing in Jesus' name, all the Christian parenting tools we've mentioned (setting an example, being faithful in the Word and prayer)? We are frustrated and at a loss for direction. We are tired of hearing ourselves chastise and preach to them. So what else can we do?
I have heard many accounts from parents who've gone through challenges with their kids - some minor and some major, even life-threatening - and there seems to be a sure result, when we practice the love for our kids that God extends to us. When, in addition to praying for them, we show them unmistakable unconditional (agape) love - not the kind that allows them freedom to do whatever they want, but the kind that includes loving discipline, providing consequences for bad decisions and boundaries and conduct rules that will protect them from harm - well, God takes it from there.
It seems that, when parents demonstrate that kind of love (the kind that's not always easy), the rebellious attitudes and actions that often occur along the way are temporary, and well worth the ultimate strengthening of faith and even ministry that results.
Maybe when parents allow God's agape love, the natural love that a parent feels for a child, to flow through them to their children, the children are subsequently that much more capable of fully embracing the love that God has for them directly, and that much more understanding of the direct relationship their obedience has to the blessings He has in store for them being released, and just pouring out in their lives.
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. so when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers."
- Luke 22:31-32
