Thank you for your commitment to leading your children as the primary disciple-makers in their lives. Thank you for your investment in them and your commitment to Jesus.

In this post, we are going to examine single parenting and parenting with blended families, with a key thought: be a giver of great grace. That’s our key takeaway from this session: be a giver of grace. Be a giver of great grace—to your children, to your children’s parents, and to yourself. 

Our key passages for this session centers on children obeying their parents for this is right in the eyes of the Lord. 

Colossians 3:20, Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

Now, you may be asking why would we examine these passages that talk about children obeying their parents on this topic? 

As children learn to navigate life; as they learn to obey and learn skills, parents should extend as much grace as possible. Not only in families where mom and dad are married but also in families where there is one parent or a blended family. Kids today are asked to navigate waters that many of us could never imagine being in. They are asked to do things that we would never imagine having to do. Some are asked to live with one parent for a couple of days, and then go to the other for the rest of the week. Some are asked to live in one city with one parent, while the other lives in another place. 

As adults, we are responsible for our actions. Many children find themselves in situations or seasons of life that they did nothing to cause. While kids are asked to navigate different things, they don’t always cause the situation they find themselves in. 

As a mom or dad who is parenting alone, your child didn’t ask to be in this situation. Maybe you didn’t ask to be in it either, but this is where you find yourself. 

First, the Lord is faithful. He is faithful to supply grace. In His infinite wisdom and mercy, He extended the greatest gift of grace to a sinful people—He extended grace by sending His son, Jesus, to be the Savior and Messiah of all humankind. It is in this extension of grace that we find forgiveness and mercy. It is here that we can find life and find that we do have a purpose in life. 

Secondly, parents, as we have looked at over and over again, no matter what situation you find yourself or your family in, you are still given the prime opportunity and unique gift of being the primary disciple-maker in the life of your children. Whether you are a single parent or living in a blended family, you are the disciple-maker. 

While seasons of life or situations we find ourselves in may seem difficult, the reality is that Jesus’ grace is so much greater than what lies directly in front of us. His grace is sufficient to sustain you and allow you to thrive. 

Wherever you find yourself, be an extension of grace. Be an encourager. Be someone who chooses to extend grace and not someone who adds fuel to a fire. Be someone who chooses to see this season as a way to proclaim Jesus and point everyone in your life toward Him. 

Our reflection questions for this post:

• How will you take steps this week to lead your family well for the glory of Christ?

• How will you point other adults in your child’s life to Jesus?

Take time today to seek the Lord to ask the Lord to help you be an extension of his grace.

I would to hear from you and interact with you. We are here to support you and equip you in your journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or want to celebrate what God is doing in the lives of your children and family. You can email me at alex@foundationsjourney.com. I look forward to hearing from you!