Who Do You Love?

A few years ago, my family and I were in court. We had gone there for a restraining order violation. It was interesting because it all could have been avoided. The entire ordeal was started by a father who had decided he no longer wanted to provide for his children and had abused some of them in his anger. He also violated the restraining order and was in danger of going to jail. 

As we sat watching him, we were in shock at the situation. It really could have been avoided. He had been ordered to stay away from the children and my daughter, his ex-wife, for whom he wanted no responsibility, but he hasn’t.

He had the financial ability to pay his child support, but he refused to do so. Later in the evening as I sat quietly, the Lord brought to mind 1 Timothy 6:10, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” 

I never would’ve equated that scripture to my grandchildren’s situation, but it clearly applies. He has protected his money over his children, which means he has loved his money more than his children. That’s definitely evil! 

We have been praying for his soul because God’s word says, in Luke 6:28 (NIV), "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." 

It hasn’t been easy, but it is absolutely necessary. Men walking away from their families for the love of money is becoming a serious problem in our communities. God also brought to my remembrance when my adopted father did the same thing when he left us as children. My biological father also did the same when I was born. All the responsibility then fell on my mother, which she gladly took, in love, but struggled with.

I really believe the problem is not just financial but spiritual. It is coming down to whom we choose to mate with. He may be handsome, but is he responsible and suitable? For the men, it will also come down to, “Are you caring and sharing? Or will you keep your goods to yourself and reap the results of your selfishness?”

I will never see 1 Timothy 6:10 the same way I used to. It truly hit home for my family, and it is hitting home for a lot of families. Let’s pray for the wayward, broken men who are supposed to lead with love and compassion, because something is very wrong when a man sets out to destroy his own family. God help us!!!

Prayer:

Father, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, please forgive the women for not consulting with you concerning our prior mating and marriage. Also, please forgive the broken men, “for they know not what they do.” Heal the family members, especially the children who have lost a part of themselves, because their father has forsaken them. Father, thank you for becoming the Father who will gladly love, provide for, and care for them for all eternity. And help us all to do what is loving and right for the edification of our family. Amen!