Love and Parameters
by Katherine Kehler
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“But the fruit of the spirit is…self control” (Galatians 5:22).
“I wanna hug Bobbi” Tia said.
Tia is my two-year-old granddaughter and she is totally fearless. Bobbi is our eight-month-old saddle bred foal. Tia is tiny and Bobbi is real tall. Both of them are young, affectionate and unafraid. As she leaned her head on the colt’s neck, Bobbi responded by nuzzling her neck.
Children and horses alike respond to gentleness and affection, but they both need a firm hand once in a while. Tia wanted to walk into the field with the horses and I had to explain to her that it was very dangerous and the foal might run over her and hurt her.
Then Tia decided it was time to go see Mommy. She was half way down the driveway before I noticed. I couldn’t call, “Tia, come back here,” because I knew she would run away from me toward the highway, so I began asking questions and she stopped and listened. I caught up to her and carried her to the house explaining that going to the road was very dangerous. Children need love, guidance and parameters.
Adults also respond to love and gentleness, but we too, need parameters. Many times the satisfaction of momentary pleasures can be tempting, but the results can be devastating. God has set up boundaries for His children in His word because He loves us. They are there to keep us safe. Practicing self-control means saying “no” to the things that God says “no” to. God’s rules are for our benefit. We can follow them fearlessly.
Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Please produce ‘self control’ in our hearts. Amen.
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