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  THE TENDER LOVE OF THE FATHER
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: David Wilkerson emphasizes the tender love of God as a Father,
encouraging believers to trust in His character and forgiveness.

Topics: "Forgiveness", "God's Love"
Scripture References: Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 86:5, Psalm 100:2, Psalm 119:156, Psalm 145:8, Joel 2:13

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the tender love of God as a Father,
contrasting it with the negative perceptions many have due to their own
experiences with earthly fathers. He highlights God's self-description
to Moses, showcasing His merciful and gracious nature, and encourages
believers to remember God's loving character during trials. Wilkerson
reassures that God is quick to forgive, patient, and slow to anger,
inviting worshippers to approach Him with confidence in His love. He
stresses the importance of understanding God's special love for His
children, which should inspire joy and gladness in their lives.

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CONTENT
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It is difficult for many people to think of God as a loving Father. They
can't help but see God through the eyes of past experiences with an
ungodly father or stepfather. It's all so sad. But listen to how God
described himself to Moses: "The Lord God, merciful and gracious,
longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for
thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin" (Exodus
34:6-7).

When we're in the midst of our many trials, we tend to forget what God
has said about his own nature. Yet if we would only believe him in such
times, we would have such assurance in our souls! From cover to cover,
the Bible speaks to us as God's voice, revealing how tender and loving
he is.

He is quick to forgive. "For You, Lord are good, and ready to forgive,
and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You" (Psalm 86:5).

He is patient with us, full of tenderness and mercy. "Great are Your
tender mercies, O Lord" (Psalm 119:156).

He is slow to anger and wrath. "The Lord is gracious and full of
compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy" (Psalm 145:8). "Return to
the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and
of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm" (Joel 2:13).

When you go to worship the Lord in prayer, be very careful what kind of
image of God you take into his presence! You must be fully convinced
that he loves you and that he is all he says he is! Of course, God has a
general love for mankind that can be embraced by anyone who comes to him
in repentance. But there is also in God's heart another kind of love, a
special love for his children!

"Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing"
(Psalm 100:2). God wants you to so trust in his love for you that you
will be a testimony of gladness and good cheer!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/the-tender-love-of-the-father/
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