God is loving but not lenient. In our American culture, we seem to define love as leniency. In fact, the first synonym for lenient in my Webster’s New World Dictionary is loving. But then it goes on: soft, easygoing, permissive, mild, yielding, pampering, indulgent, among others. Peter Kreeft, the Catholic writer, says, “Love is the willing of another’s good.” Rarely is pampering, permissive, indulgent behavior in someone’s best interest.
We don’t indulge our 3 year olds who want to play in the busy street. We don’t permit 10 year olds to stay overnight with drug users. We don’t cut up our children’s meat for them past the time they can do it for themselves. Good parents will the physical, emotional and spiritual growth of their children.
Likewise, good friends wish God’s best for each other. Sometimes that means walking with each other through suffering, encouraging belief where unbelief has taken hold, and holding each other accountable to God’s clear commands.
God loves us. That means he wants our whole hearts in return. He wants us to cling to him in our suffering, believe through our doubts, and obey because we believe he knows what is best.
Father, show us again the depth and quality of your love for us. Thank you.