Lessons From My Dad: Love Their Mom

I learned so much from my dad. He was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and perspective for me throughout his life. I collected so many lessons from him and used them to guide and lead me. I believe now, more than ever, our world needs sound wisdom from fathers who are deeply connected to the Father in heaven. We are living in days where people everywhere are perishing for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Over the next two weeks, I am going to share 10 lessons with you that I learned from my dad. These principles have been so ingrained in me and I pray they continue to bless others until Jesus returns. The first lesson is this: “Love their mom.” The night before I got married to Marilynn, I asked my dad for his best advice on raising kids well, if God should be so kind as to give them to us. He did not hesitate. He said, “Son, the best gift you can ever give your kids is to love their mom.” Such a simple, profound truth. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). Love creates stability, grace, mercy, and kindness in the home. When kids know dad loves moms and vice versa, they feel safe and secure. This environment allows them to reach their full potential in Jesus. It may be my dad’s best counsel to me ever. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).