What message do we give our kids when they blow it? Do we distance ourselves from them? Do we ever give them the impression that what they’ve done is unforgivable?
That’s the message David gave Absalom.
How much better would it have been if David had embraced his son. If he had reaffirmed his love for him.
Imagine if he had told Absalom, “I’ve been there. I murdered a man too. And for a lot worse reason than you did. But God gave me a path back. He can give you one too.”
Would Absalom’s path been different? Would he have repented?
I don’t know. Maybe, maybe not.
But God’s kindness led us to our repentance (Romans 2:4).
So may we show that same grace to our kids when they fall, showing them the way back home.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 