Ok bible says train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will NOT depart from it.

Ok when a child grow up in a home where Dad left and Mom was the abuser and all grew up in atomphere of knowing they were no good and unlovable. will they ever believe Jesus truly love them as much as he love everyone else.

After all the kids from that home have to depart from the way they were trained to believe that but bible says they will not.

Good question. I think the answer lies in the interprative issue of a proverb. What I mean is that a proverb is presented as a short, pithy, and rememberable truth. But they are also presented as principles NOT promises. Proverbs deal in generalities not specifics. This is important. This verse in particular should be read as a general principle since it is communicating a general truth. In that way, children growing up in a Christian home generally will grow up godly. But not always. In the same way, children growing up in a broken home generally take after their parents. But not always. Proverbs are not meant to communicate promises, but principles to live by.

This is similar to descriptive truth vs. prescriptive truth in history literature. What is described is not always prescribed (i.e. David having more than 1 wife is described but not prescribed).

That is my view on the matter, anyways. I hope that helps. I am sure other men on this forum have more insight to add to help in this matter. I am interested in their take on this issue as well.

As Christs power knows no bounds, we must have faith. If God, acording to John 6:44 calls this person to repentance, then yes, they most certainly will understand God's love. We will almost always be tormented by our past, and there will never be a complete escape from it's accusations and wounds, but Jesus Christ can heal those wounds, even if the scars are big.

When the bible talks about training up a child in the way he should go, it speaks of a parent's responsibility to their children through the commandment of God to raise them to fear the Lord. If this is done biblically, then they are promised that they will not depart from it. This does not mean that they will never be wayward, or choose a life of destruction, but that they will never forget the instruction of their parents, regardless of their present state or situation.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not into thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This scripture alone is a promise from God that he loves us. He will chasten us because he loves us(Heb 12:6), and he will walk with us because he loves us. (Psalm 23)

Don't ever forget that.

It takes faith to believe.

Love in Christ,

Jim

Excellent advice, Jim.

Someone such as myself, who accepted Christ at a young age, can also struggle with the concept of God's love. It is not limited to those who have had a difficult childhood. The key is go to the Scriptures and soak in the truth of God's love. The Holy Spirit opens our hearts to the Word of God. There is a big difference between head and heart knowledge, too. In example, I accepted Christ at age 5 or 6, so I knew God loved me. However, it was not until age 19 when I was in Bible college that the truth of God's unconditional love reached my heart. I had been living my Christian life as if God's love for me depended on my faithfulness in my walk. But that's not true! The moment I accepted Christ, the Lord loved me infinitely! Though my fellowship with the Lord depends on my faithfulness and confessing my sin, His love never changes. Those "ah ha" moments are wonderful.

This post was last modified: Mon Apr 14, 2008 09:35 PM by Nate.