Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas
Week 3: Chapter 2 — Welcoming God's Welcome: How Parenting Teaches Us to Receive
Read Chapter 2 of Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas.
Previewing Week 3 of Sacred Parenting
Read 3 of 6 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 12-week guide when you’re ready.
Children love their parents with an uncomplicated, unreserved affection that can, if we let it, teach us something profound about how God loves us — and how hard it is for us to simply receive that love.
Discussion Questions
6 questions1.Thomas explores how the unconditional delight a young child shows toward a parent can serve as a mirror of God's welcome toward us. Had you ever thought of your child's love as a theological lesson? What do you make of that idea?
2.Many adults find it easier to serve God than to be loved by Him — to do rather than to receive. How does parenting expose that tendency? Do you find it easier to give to your children or to simply enjoy being with them?
3.Thomas uses the image of a child running to greet a parent at the door as a picture of God's posture toward us. How does that image land for you? Does it feel natural or difficult to imagine God running toward you?
a.What past experiences — with your own parents, with failure, with shame — might make it hard to receive that kind of welcome?
b.How might the experience of being genuinely delighted in by your child help heal some of those wounds?