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When Tantrums Meet Forgiveness

Writer's picture: Meri DuarteMeri Duarte

Right after dropping off my oldest son at school, I headed to the Chick-fil-A drive-through. My youngest son started throwing a bit of a tantrum while we were on the drive-through. He wanted to go inside but we weren't able to.


Despite my best efforts to calm him down and stay patient (parents, you know what I’m talking about), he was so overwhelmed by his emotions. He was very upset he wasn't getting his way.

So, to not escalate things even more, I let him calm down and told him to use his words when he was ready to talk.


He immediately calmed down but gave me the silent treatment.


So I gave him his space.


By the time we got home, he had calmed down, and he came to me, saying, “I’m sorry for screaming.” I hugged him and said, “I forgive you. Please, next time, use your words.”

 

This moment reminded me of how we sometimes act with God. When things don’t go our way, we can throw spiritual tantrums—stopping our prayers, stepping away from church, or even walking away from Him altogether. And just like I had to let my son calm down, sometimes the Lord allows us to sit in those moments until we’re ready to return to Him.


What truly matters is the posture of our hearts as we come back to Him. God is a loving Father, always waiting with arms wide open. If this resonates with you, I want to encourage you: no matter how far you feel you’ve strayed, God’s love for you has never wavered.


The Bible reminds us in Luke 15:20, “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.” This is the heart of our God—a Father who welcomes us back, no matter what.


If you’ve found yourself distant from Him lately, it’s never too late to turn back. As it says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”


Friend, His love for you is steadfast.


Take the first step, and let Him meet you with grace and forgiveness.


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