14-16 I’m not writing all this as a neighborhood scold to shame you. I’m writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can’t wait to tell you what you’ve done wrong, but there aren’t many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God’s Message to you that I became your father. I’m not, you know, asking you to do anything I’m not already doing myself.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $4.29
Save: $5.70 (57%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
Message Slimline Bible, Charcoal Diamond Leather-look
Message Slimline Bible, Charcoal Diamond Leather-look
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $8.48
Save: $31.51 (79%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message The Book of Proverbs
The Message The Book of Proverbs
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $3.22
Save: $1.77 (35%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message One Year Chronological Bible--softcover
The Message One Year Chronological Bible--softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $5.00 (20%)
The Message Student Bible (Softcover)
The Message Student Bible (Softcover)
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $16.12
Save: $8.87 (35%)
The Message Student Bible - eBook
The Message Student Bible - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $13.71
Save: $5.28 (28%)