And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him:
Colossians 3:10-13 KJV
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Becoming Christ is impossible. Becoming more Christ-like is a daily effort.
I fall short of this effort on most days. I seek Christ’s strength and wisdom, as well as his compassion and forgiveness. It’s the challenge and balance of parenthood. It’s exhausting to stay strong in conviction, yet love those who mistreat you. This is painfully complicated when those betrayers are your children.
I know God meant me to raise these willful boys. It’s a thousand blessings measured against a handful of curses. And that’s just before lunch.