MFP 403: Learn the Heart of God from the Word of God

If our children learn who God is by watching us, where are we learning who God is?

Summary Every parent carries an image of God shaped by experience, but what happens when that image is shaped more by our wounds than by the truth? In this episode, Mike and Alicia talk about forming a true concept of God through Scripture and letting God's Word correct the false images we pick up along the way. They share honestly from their own prayer lives, from praying through the Psalms and Isaiah in a season of exile to a simple way to read, reflect, wrestle, respond, and rest with the Gospels. Through the washing of the feet, the prodigal son, the works of mercy, and the loaves and fishes, they show how Scripture speaks directly into the everyday work of parenting. You'll come away encouraged that you don't need to be a scholar to open your Bible and hear God speak. Listen in!

Key Points

1. Our image of God is shaped by experience, while Scripture and Church teaching form our concept of God, and praying with Scripture brings the two into alignment.
2. Scripture is not just history or poetry. Through it, God speaks to us personally.
3. Because parents form their children's image of God, we need to be steeped in Scripture ourselves.
4. The ordinary work of family life (serving, forgiving, feeding, clothing) is a real path to holiness.
5. God prefers to work through our small, faithful efforts, multiplying what little we bring Him.

Discussion Questions

1. Where might your image of God be shaped more by past experiences than by who God reveals Himself to be in Scripture?
2. What Scripture passage has changed you, and how could you share it with your spouse this week?