Think God Is a Permissive Granddad?

Christians need to understand God's true character and quit believing He's a permissive granddad.

Modern Christianity often views God more as a permissive grandparent than as a loving Father.

There are several factors that contribute to this error: Our culture's emphasis on self-esteem has infiltrated the church, and we've become more self-focused and less God-focused. In addition, we've been confused by false teachings that equate love with approval.

God loves us, but He doesn't approve of everything we do. He wants us to try our best, to grow in our faith, and to fulfill His purposes for our lives (Ephesians 2:10).

God forgives our sins, but He doesn't overlook them.

Hebrews 12:5-6: “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 

When we genuinely love someone, we're disappointed when they choose to do the wrong thing, and God genuinely loves us.

So let's show our love for God by taking our faith seriously (Philippians 2:12-13). Let’s find out what pleases Him (Ephesians 5:1-20)!

See also: 
God Punishes 
Discipline, Punishment, Condemnation
Billy Graham on this Subject
 
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Christians need to understand God's true character and quit believing He's a permissive granddad.

Bible Love Notes

11 comments:

  1. Laurie CollettMay 2, 2013 at 4:14 PM

    So glad you're back! Thanks for hosting & God bless!

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  2. Lori HatcherMay 2, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    Congrats on launching your new hop, Gail. As always, I enjoyed hopping on over :)

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  3. Janice D. GreenMay 2, 2013 at 10:12 PM

    Thanks for inviting me to your new log hop, Gail. I pray it will bless many.

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  4. JudithMay 3, 2013 at 6:31 AM

    I'm glad to see your blog hop again. I missed it. I enjoyed your post this morning.

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  5. AnonymousMay 3, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    Thanks for the invite and for hosting Gail!

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  6. cairncottageMay 4, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    Love this statement - "If we are not displeased and disappointed in loved ones who sin, we don't truly love them." For years I think my son thought my disappointment in some of his behaviors meant I loved him less, even though I was always telling him I love him not matter what he does. I think he's finally getting that I want the best for his life and sometimes am disappointed BECAUSE I love him so much!!! Same with God's love!! Thanks for sharing and hosting the blog hop!!
    Blessings, Ann @ Christ in the Clouds

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    Replies
    1. Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comMay 4, 2013 at 3:55 PM

      Yes, it's easy for people to mistake disappointment with a lack of love, but it's not. Some people may have had parents who they couldn't please no matter what they did, but most parents want the best for their children and are naturally disappointed when they make bad choices. I know my parents were disappointed in me at times, and I have been disappointed in my children as well. Just like God is disappointed with us at times.
      Thanks for sharing your insights.

      Delete
  7. momsthewordMay 6, 2013 at 1:32 AM

    I feel like I learned a lot about God just through parenting my own children. Suddenly their excuses and complaints just seem to resonate with me and my own excuses or complaints to God, lol!

    But I also knew that just as I loved my kids when they made poor choices and forgave them when they asked, God loved me and forgave me (still does!).

    I didn't know you had a blog hop! Awesome! I will try and remember to link up Friday!

    Thanks so much for linking up to the "Making Your Home Sing Monday" linky party today!

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  8. a joyful noiseMay 6, 2013 at 1:45 AM

    I agree that we must be careful what we allow in our lives. Sin is still sin. We must also remember to "Love the sinner, and Hate the sin."

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  9. KelliforniaNovember 29, 2020 at 7:59 PM

    This is a different topic, but if you haven't already done so, you might do an article on the widely-believed falsehood that the devil is the gleeful ruler of Hell.

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    Replies
    1. Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comNovember 29, 2020 at 8:15 PM

      An interesting idea, Kellifornia.
      Yes, there will be no glee in Hell for anyone, especially not the Devil.

      Delete

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