In a world that often appears bleak and filled with darkness, it can be challenging to explain the concept of a fallen world to our children and help them find God's love amidst the chaos. However, understanding this reality is essential in order to navigate life with clarity and purpose.
John Eldredge, in his book "Waking the Dead," reminds us of Jesus' warning that a thief seeks to steal, kill, and destroy life (John 10:10). This thief is Satan, who continuously works to deceive and bring destruction to the world. As we look around, we can see the impact of this battle unfolding before us - wars, school shootings, hatred, negative talk, and the rise of cancel culture.
It's vital to recognize that Satan's ultimate goal is not to give us the world, but to deceive and make us fail. This is how the world becomes a fallen place. He relentlessly seeks to devour and destroy. To find God's love in the midst of this fallen world, we must see it as a battle - a battle that we fight with God's love.
God's love is the weapon we use to combat the darkness and bring light into the world. It is the love that inspires us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to show compassion to those in need, and to stand against injustice. It is the love that gives us hope, strength, and courage to face the challenges around us.
As parents, we can help our children find God's love by teaching them about the battle between good and evil and how God's love is the ultimate weapon against darkness. We can show them how acts of love, kindness, and compassion can make a difference in the world. By nurturing their relationship with God and encouraging them to live out His love, we equip them to face the fallen world with grace and strength.
In this fallen world, God's love is the anchor that holds us firm, the light that guides our path, and the hope that sustains us through the darkest times. When we understand this, we can find God's love even in the midst of a fallen world and share that love with others, bringing hope and healing to a hurting world.