When I was a young man, my dad was going through a difficult time and he noticed some things in my life that were wrong. Instead of gently correcting me and appealing to my conscience until I saw the sinfulness of what I did, he became angry and impatient with me. One day he picked me up from work, and on the way home he wounded me with harsh words and rough language.

I was shocked, guilty, confused, and hurt. When I got home, I went up to my bedroom. I lay in bed, my heart pounding, trying to make sense of what had just happened. My dad was a Christian. He was even a pastor. I knew that what I did was wrong, but I also knew that he was wrong for dealing with it the way he did.

Before I went to sleep, the door to my room opened and light spilled into the room from the hallway. My dad came in and knelt down by my bed. He began to weep.

“Son,” he said, “I am so sorry for what I said tonight. You are a fine son, and I am proud of you. I should not have said what I did. I have had a difficult day, and I have been discouraged. I took it out on you. That was wrong. Will you forgive me?”

“Yes, Dad. I forgive you.”

We hugged for a long time. I could smell his aftershave and feel the tears on his face.

“I love you, Buddy,” he said.

“I love you too, Dad.”

My dad said goodnight and left the room, turning out the hall light. My burden and my confusion were lifted. I was free to consider what I had done wrong without being distracted by what my dad had done wrong.

There may be some things you need to clear up with your wife or with your sons and daughters. Before your children go to sleep, maybe you should go and kneel by their beds and be sure that their hearts are light and happy, and that all is clear between you.

One of the most powerful, valuable things you can ever do for your family is to model the spirit and practice of repentance. I know. My dad did it for me.

“Let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26–27).

Written by Pastor Ken Pierpont