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Parental love, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound and multifaceted concept that reflects the nature of God's love for His children. It encompasses nurturing, discipline, instruction, and sacrifice, serving as a model for human relationships and a reflection of divine love.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on parental love, emphasizing its importance in the family structure and its role in the spiritual and moral development of children. One of the foundational scriptures is found in the book of Proverbs: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). This verse underscores the responsibility of parents to guide their children in righteousness and wisdom.

God as the Ultimate Parent

Parental love is often compared to God's love for His people. In the Old Testament, God is depicted as a loving Father who cares for and disciplines His children.Deuteronomy 1:31 illustrates this: "And in the wilderness, where you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place" . This imagery highlights God's protective and nurturing nature.

In the New Testament, Jesus further emphasizes God's parental love, teaching His followers to address God as "Our Father" in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9). This intimate term reflects the closeness and care inherent in the relationship between God and His children.

Parental Love in Practice

The Bible provides practical guidance for parents in expressing love to their children.Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" . This verse highlights the balance between discipline and nurturing, encouraging parents to foster an environment of love and respect.

Colossians 3:21 echoes this sentiment: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged" . The emphasis is on creating a supportive and loving atmosphere that encourages children to grow in faith and character.

Sacrificial Love

Parental love is also characterized by sacrifice, mirroring the sacrificial love of Christ. In the account of Hannah and Samuel, Hannah's willingness to dedicate her son to the Lord's service (1 Samuel 1:27-28) exemplifies a parent's willingness to prioritize God's will and the spiritual well-being of their child over personal desires.

The Role of Mothers and Fathers

The Bible acknowledges the unique roles of both mothers and fathers in expressing parental love.Proverbs 31:28-29 praises the virtuous woman, whose children "rise up and call her blessed" , highlighting the nurturing and supportive role of mothers. Fathers, as seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), are depicted as figures of forgiveness and unconditional love, welcoming their children back with open arms.

Conclusion

Parental love, as outlined in the Bible, is a reflection of God's own love for humanity. It is characterized by nurturing, discipline, sacrifice, and forgiveness, serving as a model for earthly parents to emulate. Through the examples and teachings found in Scripture, parents are called to love their children in a way that honors God and fosters spiritual growth.Proverbs 13:24
He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes.
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 6:4
And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
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NaturalLove.
... been seen to drag their children into the paths of sin; yet in nobler natures, and
under more favorable circumstances, this refreshingparental love has the...

Destruction and Help
... So we have here the wail of theparental love of God over the ruin which Israel
has brought on itself, and thatparental love is setting forth Israel's true...

Luke i. 3, 4
... receive these impressions from his parents, who have the strongest interest in his
welfare, and who have besides that instinctiveparental love which, more...

Parental.
...PARENTAL. A Father'sLove Trampled Under Foot. I once heard of a father
who had a prodigal boy, and the boy had sent his mother...

Home-Discipline.
... Their kindness is most unkind. Theirparental love issues forth as a mere
burst of feeling, unguided by either reason or law. Hence...

The Memories of Home. [A]
... How many now, in thus looking back upon the home of their childhood, do not
remember their abuse ofparental love and kindness! "Oh!...

The Boy in the Temple
... King or to Israel itself as being 'God's son,' as far as I remember, there is only
one reference in all the Old Testament toparental love towards each of us...

Friendship.
... Conjugal affection comprises that feeling of mind and heart which unites husband
and wife. Filial andparental love exists between parent and child....

Parental Duty.
... THE VALUE OF A PRAYING MOTHER CHAPTER XXVI.PARENTAL DUTY.... Sympathy andlove, constant
watchfulness, and earnest prayer will be the most needful....

How to Pray
... Though we are all sinful,parental love survives, and makes a father wise enough
to know what will nourish and what would poison his child. Alas!...

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