“God has given parents the responsibility to be gatekeepers of His grace.” p. 164

Our goal as parents is to lead our kids to Jesus and imprint His grace upon their hearts.  By experiencing it in our homes and through our relationship with them, their hearts will be cultivated and receptive to His grace.

Dr. Kimmel says, that “Grace can’t be some abstract concept that you talk about in your home…grace must be  a real time action (and) quantifiable.” (140). The best time to give them specific gifts of grace is perhaps when it is hardest for us.  We have to set aside our selfish desires and instead give God sized grace when our kids are different…

wierd

quirky

strange

or  just plain goofy.

By giving them real time grace during these moments we are telling them it is ok  for them to display the unique and special way God made them. This reminds me of the movie “Parenthood” with Steve Martin.  One of the kids walked around with a bucket on his head.  He was fascinated by this.  His parents, allowed it and recognized that he was different – they celebrated him.  Weird? Quirky? Strange? Yes – but a great visual for me, before I had kids, that sometimes kids do crazy things – and grace in this moment can make all the difference in the world.

Real time grace is also important when our kids are vulnerable or weak. Do you know that our struggles act like a magnet for God’s grace? If you doubt this, read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Dr. Kimmel says, “Grace notices vulnerable people. It’s in constant tune with their hearts.” (170)  Who is more vulnerable than our kids?  They are small, impressionable, sensitive, filled with wonder and they need our tender touch in their lives.  Especially, when they have really blown it, or where they consistently struggle. What would the specific gift of grace look like in that moment for them? For you?

I don’t know about you, but these truths have profoundly impacted my heart. This week, we turn our hearts to the cross, and the ultimate act of Grace on our behalf.  We were different, outcast, guilty, and vulnerable.  He chose to open the flood gates lavish us with Grace.  His real time quantifiable grace was clearly displayed.  May we be just like Him.

More Grace Based Parenting:
{Part 1}
{Part 2}