Tag: Proverbs 22:6

A Mother’s Heart – Day 13 – Deep Sin

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In my grief for my own wayward son, the Lord spoke to my heart. He spoke to me through a recent message that I heard where the Pastor pointed out that we should be telling the world what we are learning, and not what we have learned. I definitely learned a lot in the past eighteen months as I grieved the loss of my prodigal son. However, I stopped there! I didn’t realize that I could continue learning how to deal with this until the Lord impressed upon me to write this devotional series! There are definitely many different facets of this ever-changing “diamond in the rough”! Each situation that the mothers shared with me gave me another view from life’s “pie.” In your mind’s eye, if you place an entire pie on the table and cut it up into equal shares, you will understand what I mean. Now stand in front of the first piece and look across the room and do this for every piece of pie. The view you see will be slightly different than the previous view. Everyone looks at their prodigal trial with blinders on. That’s not wrong, but there are quite a few different views being experienced by countless mothers out there. Each perspective adds depth to the experience, allowing us to gather insights that may have otherwise escaped our notice. When you lean in and listen to one another’s stories, you begin to see how universal themes of love, pain, and hope intertwine in the lives of these mothers. The emotions run deep, and through this shared journey, bonds are formed as hearts connect in ways that words often cannot fully express. I pray that this series will speak to the heart of at least one mother, offering encouragement and reassurance that they are not alone in this challenging chapter of their lives.

I reached out to mothers on an online group that I’m a part of and asked them to share their ideas on this very topic. I never realized how many different scenarios there are for our wayward children. Today’s will be about mothers that have children who have gone the way of the world into deep sin and now will not communicate because they know the parents disagree. They also take it a step further and create lies that fit the scenario in order to justify their position. This can cover a number of sins from homosexuality to drug addiction. But according to James 2:10, sin is sin and all of it is a putrid smell to the Lord. That is why He sent His Son to die for those sins. The poor mother who has to live through this type of scenario! How many tears have been shed? Countless, I’m sure. She wonders what she did wrong to have her child turn out this way. The Lord knows each and every tear you have shed, dear mother!

Psalm 69:3 I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

Psalm 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

Oh, how I cry out Psalm 69:3 as I continue to walk through my trial!! Let’s face it ladies, the Lord has recorded many of our tears! He knows exactly what we are walking through, each moment of pain and heartache meticulously noted in His loving memory. In times of difficulty, when our spirits feel weary and our hearts burdened, it’s comforting to remember that we are not alone in our struggles. God sees our struggles and understands the depth of our sorrow, assuring us that every tear we shed holds significance in His eyes. As we travel along these challenging paths, may we find solace in the knowledge that our Savior walks beside us, bringing healing and hope even in the midst of the storms of life.

I believe the prodigal children who don’t speak to you because they know you will disagree with their sin know deep down that they are sinning. They are often aware of the moral implications of their choices, even if they choose to ignore them in favor of immediate gratification or temporary relief. They do not want to be held accountable according to Scripture, nor do they want to be reminded that they are sinning, as this would require them to confront the uncomfortable truths about their actions and reconsider their paths. This inner conflict can lead to avoidance and denial. They are accountable for their own sins, and they will be dealt with by the Holy Spirit in the same manner we were dealt with when we came to the realization that we needed salvation. The process that leads to salvation can often involve moments of discomfort and reflection that challenge our current beliefs and actions. It is through this Holy Spirit guidance that they may find their way back, leading to healing and restoration, not just for themselves but also for those they have distanced themselves from.

As for the lies that have been spread against the parents, it has been my experience that there is nothing that you can do to stop them. Each one that has heard those lies will either not believe them or will believe the wayward child. Trying to intercede and correct the lies will fall on deaf ears or create further problems. It is best to leave it to the Lord and wait for Him to open the door. You can then deal with the lies as they are personally brought to your attention. It’s God’s timing that is of the utmost importance. When we meddle in His business, we may be hindering the work of the Holy Spirit. Instead, trust God’s Word when He says:

Psalm 31:18-19 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.  (19)  Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

This prodigal child will have quite the testimony when he finally comes to Christ, and it will be a powerful story of redemption that inspires others. The faithful praying mother, who has poured her heart and soul into interceding on behalf of her child, will have her prayers answered one day in a way that brings her immense joy and peace. We can hold tightly to the promises found in Proverbs 22:6, which assure us that the seeds we have sown in faith will bear fruit in due time. Together, as a family, we did our best to teach our children the ways of the Lord, instilling in them values rooted in faith and love. I truly believe that God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, will honor our efforts by giving our children ample opportunities to be saved and restored, guiding them gently back to His open arms where they will feel His unconditional love and forgiveness!

Don’t give up! Keep praying! It may not happen tomorrow or next year, but it will happen. I have heard from mothers who have waited years, and the healing is starting to happen!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore.  (17)  Pray without ceasing.  (18)  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The Apostle Paul encourages us to rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing and give thanks for everything. Wow Paul, you don’t ask for much, do you?! Do you notice that the rejoicing occurs before the praying and giving thanks? How can we possibly do that? We can do that by rejoicing at our salvation and the Great God who provided that salvation! What more do we need? The same God who supplies salvation and keeps it without failing, can restore your family. How? By praying and giving thanks in everything! I understand how we can pray, Paul, but how do we give thanks for this trial? It is through this trial that you and I will learn to trust God more deeply. Hasn’t each trial you’ve been through turned out for the glory of God? It is through this same trial that we find ourselves scootching in closer to His side than ever before, thus receiving that comfort we so need! As we live life’s ups and downs in our challenges, we realize that they lead us to a greater understanding of God’s unwavering love and support. He’s the same yesterday, today and tomorrow; therefore, He never changes in His love and support. (Hebrews 13:8) We may begin to see that there are lessons hidden in our struggles, shaping our character and bringing us greater resilience. Therefore, we give thanks in everything, even when the circumstances seem bleak, because we know that it will be according to His will. His faithfulness can be depended on so there’s no need to fear! That’s a LOT to be thankful for, isn’t it? Even during the darkest moments, His light shines through someone He has sent to encourage you; you know, that “Jesus with skin on,” to remind us that God is watching! There are so many things God does to remind us that we are never alone on this journey, and that His plans for us are always for our good and especially for His glory.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

A Mother’s Heart – Day 5 – Child Who Strays

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This is one of those topics that will eventually wreak havoc in the Christian home. It did mine. Although we tried to raise our sons according to the Scriptures, we admit we were not perfect parents. Only God is the ultimate perfect Father! When our prodigal stopped communicating with us, I fought so many emotions! My heart was torn apart with not only grief but doubts. Did we do all we could? Did we discipline too much; not enough? Were we too strict with our rules? We made sure they went to church when the doors opened, and they went to church youth functions. I did morning devotions with them and prayed with them, hoping to instill in them a deep and abiding faith that would guide them throughout their lives. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that one of my sons would totally walk away from the faith. The other son and his wife believe that church and the Bible should not be pushed on kids; they want to leave it to their children to make a choice when they are older. That is not how they were raised, but it is how they turned out as adults, making choices that sometimes leave us bewildered, wondering where we went wrong in shaping their spirituality. There is a Bible verse that we parents have memorized and pray for it to come true in our own prodigals’ lives:

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Some men and women never grow up emotionally. They mature physically but their emotional and spiritual lives are like rebellious teenagers, often reacting to situations rather than responding thoughtfully. If you have the opportunity to speak with your adult child, choose your words carefully and with intention. It is essential to remind them that you love them unconditionally and that you are always there for them should the need arise, ready to listen and support. Encourage open communication, inviting them to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Don’t sacrifice your beliefs on their altar of unbelief; instead, stand firm and don’t compromise on your values. Do everything in love, with patience and understanding, recognizing that emotional growth can take time. If you are not able to speak to your adult child, then wholly lean on the Lord and let Him do the work! Trust in His timing and wisdom, knowing that He is capable of reaching hearts in ways that you can’t.

In my prodigal’s case, we were blamed for everything that ever went wrong in his life. His heart is now hard, and he is convinced we are his problem. But are we? A dear missionary mother who was speaking from experience told me to be careful not to believe everything he claimed we did, as it would cause us to fall into the guilt trip, and it would be hard to escape it. She was absolutely right! It was the natural progression of this mother’s broken heart, wrestling with emotions that felt insurmountable. Who did I have to thank for that guilt trap? The father of lies; the devil himself! The moment I thought back to something our son said in his departing message, pain would raise its ugly head, and the enemy used it relentlessly, twisting my perception and deepening my sorrow. Dwelling on it solved nothing; rather, it only managed to cause depression and more pain, compounding the anguish and making the journey toward healing seem distant and elusive. Each negative thought was like a weight, dragging me further into despair, pulling at the very fabric of my spirit and threatening to shatter my resolve. Yet, amid this turmoil, I began to realize that letting go was essential—not just for my peace, but perhaps even for my son’s. The Lord loves us and is tenderhearted toward our sorrows, mothers. He gives us verses that remind us of this:

Psalm 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

My sons are adults and are responsible for their actions, no matter how they were raised! I was raised in a dysfunctional home, but I claimed responsibility for my actions and suffered the consequences without blaming my parents. This was not an easy path, as the scars of my upbringing often lingered in my mind, but I knew that personal growth required facing those challenges head-on. My oldest sister was totally different! She was not saved and handled her upbringing the same way our oldest son did, often deflecting her problems onto our parents instead of taking accountability. We must recognize the fact that our children are now adults and must come to salvation and repentance the same way we did. They have concocted the idea that there is no salvation necessary, or they simply no longer care.

Proverbs 16:25  There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

What we can and should do is pray for them, for prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God who is the only One who can solve this problem. Nothing is impossible with God! It is His will for our children to be saved and serving Him, walking in light and truth. When we pray for this, we are praying in His will, aligning our desires with His perfect plans for their lives. These are the types of prayers God loves and answers, as they reflect a deep concern for the eternal souls of our loved ones. It may not be in our timeframe, but they will be answered in ways that are often beyond our understanding, revealing His grace and timing. In every prayer, we express our trust and faith in His infinite wisdom, knowing that He hears each cry of our hearts and responds with love.

Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

Every situation is different, but the outcome is the same, dear mother! Don’t be discouraged! Yes, it’s painful and you miss your child terribly, wishing to hear his voice again; to hug him and kiss him. It’s natural to feel this overwhelming urge to step in and take control, but interfering and trying to fix the problem will only make it worse. In these moments, we must remember that we are not alone in this journey. We must allow the Holy Spirit of the Living God to work in their lives just as He works in ours. His gentle guidance, sometimes not so gentle, is what brings about true change. When we try to intercede, thinking we are doing good, we most likely are hindering the Spirit’s work! This is a delicate balance of faith where trust is essential. We must remember that the Holy Spirit’s work is always perfect! He is God after all, with a plan that surpasses our understanding. Don’t get caught in the middle of this struggle; instead, free yourself from that responsibility. Let Him do His work! Trust that His timing and methods are far better than our own and allow your heart to be at peace as you release your worries into His capable hands.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

I will share the verses below each day, so we remember Who is working behind the scenes and in our own lives. He loves you so glorify, bless and praise His Name:

Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

Psa 91:4  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalm 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psalm 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

A Mother’s Heart – Day 3 – Turned Hearts

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Weddings are such a joyous occasion! 💜 We welcome a daughter-in-law or a son-in-law into the family and we as parents now have an additional child! What a blessing that is!!! But sometimes what starts off well, doesn’t continue well. Our children’s spouses play an important part of the family dynamics. Oh, that all daughters-in-law were like Ruth, or sons-in-law like Joshua. For those mothers who have raised their children in church, you understand that your sons will leave and cleave to their wife. This is a commandment ordained by God, representing the proper order of marriage as designed in scripture. The Hebrew word for “leave” is “‛âzab,” which means to loosen or relinquish; it indicates a purposeful transition rather than a careless departure. It is important to understand that this does not imply abandoning one’s family but rather it signifies the important step of leaving one’s parent’s home with the intention of establishing a new, independent family unit. In this journey, sons are called to become leaders in their own homes, creating a loving and guiding environment for their wives and future children. This directive from God encourages not only emotional maturity but also a deeper commitment to their marital relationships, reinforcing the sacred bond of unity that marriage represents. By embracing this calling, they honor both their families of origin and the new families they are entrusted to build.

Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Christian parents pray that they have raised their sons to be godly leaders in their family and praying that what they have taught their children is deeply rooted. However, as life unfolds, some marry a woman who manages to subtly change the son’s heart, especially when it comes to spiritual matters and priorities. It may not be intentional on her part, but merely a by-product of her upbringing. This influence may sometimes lead them away from their upbringing, creating a divide between the values they were taught and the new beliefs they adopt. A prime example of this is seen in the life of Solomon, who, despite God’s explicit warnings that this would occur if he allowed foreign gods into his home, found himself enchanted by the very practices that contradicted his faith. Solomon’s story serves as a warning, illustrating the profound impact that relationships can have on one’s spiritual journey and the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs amidst external pressures.

1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

It is so important for our adult children to marry within the faith, as this foundational choice shapes their spiritual journey and the dynamics of their family life. Being unequally yoked goes against Scripture, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” These verses emphasize the significant spiritual differences that can arise when faith is not aligned. I know quite a few women, me included, who were saved after they were married, and their husbands did not follow suit soon thereafter in salvation, creating a spiritual division in the household. The children are then raised in two contrasting “spiritual atmospheres”: a godly mother who strives to instill Christian values, and a worldly father whose beliefs and actions are significantly different. This double life often leads to confusion for the children, as they struggle with differing perspectives on morality, spirituality, and life choices. It is our hope that through guidance, prayer, and open communication, these challenges can be worked out, ensuring that our legacy of faith is upheld in their generation. We pray that what we have taught our own children, will return to their memory before it’s too late for their own children.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

But what about the mother whose son has married a woman who is trying to destroy his connection with his parents, or vice versa? She is jealous of the beautiful connection and relationship her husband has with his mother. I have a dear friend who is living this trial, and it has been going on for two or three years! Truths are twisted into lies, and after a while, her son’s heart has been turned against those who have loved and nurtured him from the beginning. It is a heartbreaking situation that can leave parents feeling helpless and confused. She loves the Lord and relies on Him to open doors. She used to hear from her son daily and now not so much as a call or text. Her mother’s “rug” has been pulled from underneath and has left her in turmoil! What is she to do? Only the Lord can heal this broken heart.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Mothers struggle with the thought of their son abandoning their relationship. If at all possible, when there are sincere opportunities to correct the matter with the truth, it is important to seize those moments wisely. However, I believe it is crucial to remember that it is never good to interfere between a man and his wife. He is obligated to put her needs, and the needs of his family, first. Rather than trying to “get even” or insert your comments/feelings that may only escalate tensions, it is far more beneficial to pray for their marriage. Seek to intercede on their behalf, asking the Lord to work in their hearts to return to Him, and to reconcile where there seems to be only division and strife. In moments of frustration, turning that energy into prayer is the most powerful and loving response a concerned parent can offer. The verse that comes to mind about interfering or inserting my views where the Lord may not want me to is:

Proverbs 26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

Granted this verse speaks of butting into someone else’s business. But I view opinions shared by my child and his spouse as their business, not mine. If I inject my feelings where they are not welcome, I will reap push back on their part. I am not talking about standing firm on the Bible and its teachings. I’m talking about family dynamics where there are differences of opinion. But when it comes to spiritual matteres, sometimes we have to cut ties, or limit fellowship, with our children because they have turned so far away from God that it’s impossible to overlook the sin. I have a friend whose son is a homosexual and wanted to visit her from out of town with his “friend.” She could not in all good conscience allow them to stay with her without it seeming as though she approved of their lifestyle. She told her son about her conviction. They did meet at restaurants and she always strived to talk about the Lord and His forgiveness.

Each situation is different. We need to remember to practice the spirit of forgiveness and to extend grace. But if there is conflict, it is best to deal with your own child one-on-one and speak your mind. Christian parents must be careful to keep their testimony for Christ in such cases: even when it’s our own children! We never know how we will affect the upbringing of our grandchildren.

Psalm 78:2-4 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: (3) Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.  (4)  We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

We are all different and we are beautiful creations of God, made in His image. Not one of us is the same, and we all have our own unique makeup, designed and crafted by His loving hands! It is essential to embrace this truth, for our differences are a reflection of God’s creativity and genius. We must remember that as much pain as this is to us mothers, God is working in the background, working out hope and healing that we may not always see at first. In moments of despair or uncertainty, take comfort in knowing that God hears your prayers and understands your heart’s cries. Pray fervently for His intercession in that spouse’s life, for even the smallest whisper of faith can move mountains. Forget the lies that are being spoken about you; the more you dwell on them, the more pain you’ll be in. [Picture the enemy standing behind you, whispering in your ear and reviewing all the lies said about you.] Fill your mind with godly things, not the things of this world. (Colossians 3:2)

Foremost, pray for salvation if it is needed, as the gift of eternal life is the most crucial point of all. If the spouse is saved, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and influence in their home, trusting that His presence can transform lives and relationships. Remember, nothing is impossible with God, for His power knows no bounds and His love can penetrate even the darkest of hearts. Keep your faith unwavering, and let your prayers rise like incense before Him, for He is always listening and ready to act. He delights in our prayers because it reveals our need for Him and His perfect will for our lives.

Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

In the meantime, switch your thoughts from this heart-wrenching situation to your own spiritual growth and well-being. If you are not able to resolve the conflict with conversation, then it is out of your control, amen? I am in this situation at the moment, feeling the weight of that silence that speaks volumes. Our son will not allow any form of communication, and so we are totally cut off from the joy of his presence and the warmth of our once-close relationship. Some days bring a new wave of longing and questions that linger in the air, unanswered. Those days must be turned over to the Lord or the enemy will have his way with your thoughts. Is it due to his wife interfering? Maybe, but we can’t be certain, and that uncertainty adds to the pain. We know he harbors horrible memories of his childhood, whether they are fact or exaggerated memories, and that realization brings a heavy heart. All we know is that we are no longer a part of his life, and it feels like a vacuum where love and connection used to thrive, leaving us grasping at those fragments of the past. This is their wish, not ours; it is out of our control. Jesus promises us that He is near to the broken hearted (Psalm 34:18). He knows what you are going through! He’s not hiding in the shadows or behind a curtain. He knows you!

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

Navigating through this emotional labyrinth (yes, I mean labyrinth) is difficult and often feels like walking on a tightrope of grief, confusion, and hope. If this is the same with you, then it is out of your control as well. Remember, though, that focusing on your own healing and finding peace within can be a vital step in learning to accept the circumstances, no matter how challenging they may be. It took me months to learn this; I wish I had learned it earlier so I could have avoided the tears! It is essential to engage in self-care practices that nourish your soul, such as meditating on favorite Bible verses, journaling, or even seeking support groups where others understand your struggles. The journey towards understanding and acceptance often leads us to rediscover ourselves in ways we never expected! This trial will reveal strengths we never knew we had and forge paths toward healing.

Remember, you’re not in this alone! The Lord promises us that we will get through this! Get in the Word and let the Scriptures bring refreshment in the midst of your difficult season!

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

I will share the verses below each day, so we remember Who is working behind the scenes and in our own lives. He loves you so glorify, bless and praise His Name:

Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

Psa 91:4  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalm 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psalm 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Peace Through Troubled Times – Natural Affection

On By KateIn Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled TimesLeave a comment

2Ti 3:1-3  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

As I see the day of the God’s wrath during the Tribulation fast approaching, I see less and less affection displayed by parents toward their children. Love for our children is not merely touching and hugging. It involves godly correction through the Scriptures and teaching them to do right.

Pro 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Children are left to themselves and are not taught what is acceptable. For example:

  • It’s not polite to whisper into another’s ear while others are around
  • It’s not nice to gossip
  • Be polite when speaking with older people and be respectful
  • Say: please, thank you, excuse me, I’m sorry
  • Don’t chew food with your mouth open
  • Take care of your toys and don’t be rough with them, etc.

Children need direction and guidance. When they are left to themselves, they develop a rebellious attitude. This does not teach them to respect others but instead to disrespect. Children need to be taught restraint otherwise they can’t control their behavior when they are outside the home. Our homes are a preparation for the battlefield of the world. If we don’t teach our children how to handle situations, they will be unprepared for life when they leave home.

The end result are children who will grow up not knowing how to train their own children. The future family will become a mess! Is it any wonder why kids today are so disrespectful and full of pent up anger? I feel so sad when I see these things happen. The Apostle Paul considered this sinful and he grouped it with murder!

Rom 1:21-32  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  (22)  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,  (23)  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  (24)  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  (25)  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.  (26)  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  (27)  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.  (28)  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  (29)  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,  (30)  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  (31)  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  (32)  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

There is nothing more beautiful than a godly family with the father leading and protecting; the mother teaching and nurturing; and children learning to become responsible human beings. But a complete family can only be godly if they are centered in God’s Word. The father is responsible in leading his family in the way they should go through the Scriptures. Is it any wonder we do not see much of this today? Children cannot learn how to avoid sin if they are not taught how.

Psa 119:9  BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

The Bible is rarely used in the home and therefore the outcome is a family that is not taught how to handle day-to-day situations. All the answers are in our Bibles.

If you are not truly born-again, you won’t see today’s topic as a sin. But there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!