Baggage

A local radio show host spoke of his close relationship to his father in law.  While explaining their ability to communicate so freely and get along so well, he made reference to the fact that the father in law's relationship to him was perhaps closer than some of his own children, "because of baggage."

Hmmm.  Doesn't that highlight the need for a parent to be Christ-like, gracious, loving, understanding and compassionate to the children?  We sacrifice those attributes too often so we can be firm, preventative and corrective.  Behavior is emphasized over faith.  We have a better chance of getting it right when we become a grandparent.

When the Lord personally addressed one of His followers about something didn't He usually highlight a lack of faith?

A dear friend alienated one of his daughters and damaged his relationship with the other by his reaction to what was wrong with their character when they were younger.  Now that he is a grandparent, he was able to pour out his heart in letters to both daughters and much of the baggage has been left behind.

The Bible doesn't address a solution specifically for baggage issues that were created by parents.
But, it does.
Just like absolutely everything else we have to trust that He is enough.

Understanding Samson

Samson was such a bad man.
(Judges 16:1)

Samson prayed with understanding brought about by faith.
(Judges 15:18)

Samson appears in the faith chapter.
(Hebrews 11:32)

We are stunned that he appears in the faith chapter with all the other great men of God.
(...no scripture to support this bewilderment)

We busy ourselves looking for behavior.
God sees faith.

"You [set yourselves up to] judge according to the flesh (by what you see).  [You condemn by external, human standards.]  I do not [set Myself up to] judge or condemn or sentence anyone.
John 8:15 Amp.