Fathers love their children…

When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded, "Down with the dynasty of David! We have no interest in the son of Jesse. Back to your homes, O Israel! Look out for your own house, O David!" So the people of Israel returned home. (1 Kings 12:16 NLT)

Solomon would have known how to respond to the Israelites.  Solomon’s advisers knew how to respond to the Israelites.  Solomon’s son, however, listened to other advisors.  He didn’t trust his father’s advisors.  So, the kingdom of Israel will be torn apart.

"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! [Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you.] Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48 NLT)

Sometimes great pain and agony can be avoided by simply listening to our fathers.  Even imperfect fathers love their children.  More than that, though, we would experience a Garden Walk if we would simply listen to Our Heavenly Father.  Then, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, we would enjoy walking together with God.

When the people of Israel learned of Jeroboam's return from Egypt, they called an assembly and made him king over all Israel. So only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the family of David. (1 Kings 12:20 NLT)

Jeroboam was called by The LORD to lead the northern tribes of Israel.  He has the opportunity to walk together with God because Our Father loves him.  Rehoboam was given the southern kingdom because The LORD loves his grandfather David, his father Solomon, and, of course, Rehoboam himself.  So, the kingdom is not completely torn away.

But Rehoboam continued to rule over the Israelites who lived in the towns of Judah. (1 Kings 12:17 NLT)

How about you?  Did you see Godly love from your earthly father?  How did your father show you this Godly love?  Do you see that Our Father in heaven loves you?  How do you see God’s love in your life?