A Foundation Worth Passing On

When I think about the kind of legacy I want to leave my children, it’s not about money or material wealth. Sure, we all want to provide for our families, but more than anything, I want to pass on the wealth of God’s love. If I had to choose between leaving my kids financial security or a foundation of strong character and faith, I’d choose the latter every time. After all, what good is earthly wealth without the love of Christ?

One of the most profound verses on God’s love comes from **John 3:16**: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse encapsulates the depth of God’s love for us—a sacrificial, all-encompassing love that promises eternal life. It’s the kind of love that I want my kids to understand and embody in their own lives. If they can grasp even a fraction of this, I know they will be on the right path.

Another verse that speaks powerfully to me is **1 John 4:19**, which says, “We love because He first loved us.” God’s love is the foundation for everything, including our ability to love others. I often tell my kids, “If you can love Jesus and love others, the rest will come.” Loving others isn’t always easy, but when we remember that God loved us first, even when we didn’t deserve it, we’re inspired to love more deeply.

**1 Corinthians 13:13** also reminds us that “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Love is at the center of everything God calls us to be. It’s not just a feeling but an action, a choice we make every day to put others before ourselves, to forgive, to be kind, and to serve.

As a father, I want my children to not just know God’s love but to see it in action in our family. Whether it’s the way I love their mother or how I say “I’m sorry” when I mess up, I hope they see what love looks like on a daily basis. Plus, my kids hold me accountable – when I’m in a sour mood or unwilling to serve in my own home, they are not afraid to hit me with, “Dad, Man Up!”. And honestly, I love that because it reminds me that they’re paying attention to how love is displayed.

At the end of the day, I want my children to understand that true wealth is found in God’s love. If they can learn to love Jesus and love others, they will have everything they need. That’s the kind of inheritance I want to leave behind.

Thanks for reading,

Jeff Ford