BIBLICAL FATHERHOOD--THE GREAT NEED OF THE WORLD 7z-17) HE HAS A GENERATION MINDSET-- ROLE MODELING LOVE THAT "BEARS ALL THINGS" (1 Corinthians 13:7) continued again.

Men, the love that "bears all things" does not compromise or tolerate all things. Banish the thought! When it is within our power to turn off the TV because the program is not conducive to a godly atmosphere in the home and the lives our family, then act and turn it off. Ezra 10:4 exhorts us, "Be of good courage, and DO IT." Don't grin and bear it because some members of the family want their flesh to be entertained by it.

Lot's righteous soul was VEXED from day to day with the filthy manner of life of the (2 Peter 2:6-8). And yet, for some reason Lot chose to live in Sodom. He could have chosen to live somewhere else. Lot was not forced to live in Sodom. He did not have to "out of love" bear with the sins of Sodom. For the sake of his wife and family he should have removed himself long before the angels had to forcibly rescue him out of that sinful place (Genesis 19:15-16). His choice to live in this city was a bad decision and cost him the lives of children and grandchildren.

There are many trials, sicknesses, pains, personality differences, intellectual weaknesses, immaturities in children, and immaturities in Christians. Even Jesus was wearied with having to put up with the unbelief of his disciples (Matthew 17:17). We must also bear persecutions from enemies , and sometimes, friends. Men, are we truly role modeling the love that does not write people off that do not agree with us? Our love for our families, as well as our fellow Christians, has to be a love that covers a multitude of sins, weaknesses, and differences. Our Heavenly Father loves us despite our many frailties and failures. Should not we fathers do the same?

The children of Israel had to wander in the wilderness for 40 long years until they learned to stop their moaning, groaning, and complaining. They could not leave the wilderness until they had learned to experience God's love that "bears all things" without complaining.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell