BIBLICAL FATHERHOOD--THE GREAT NEED OF THE WORLD 11e) THE SHEPHERDING FATHER LEADS HIS FAMILY IN PATHS OF MERCY AND TRUTH.

We continue the paths of righteousness God wants us to lead our families into.

7. The paths of righteousness are mercy and truth

Psalm 25:10 says, "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies." Mercy and truth and grace and truth are twins. It was said of Jesus in John 1:14 that He was "full of grace and truth."

John 1:17 says, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." The law was the truth. It was cold hard facts. It showed no mercy and grace on its own, but rather condemnation to all who broke it.

Jesus Christ was FULL of mercy and truth. Fathers who profess to be His followers should also be FULL of mercy and truth. Do our wives and children know us to be FULL of grace and truth?

Mercy and grace without truth can be sloppy grace, compromise, and lack justice. We have far too much of this in our 21st century homes and churches. Mercy and grace must be tempered and balanced by truth, otherwise grace can be abused and cheapened.

Men, let us mirror God's true mercy and grace before our families.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell