Below is a summary transcript I have parents who talk to me all the time about their struggle with the question, "When should I enforce law and when should I give grace?" The problem with the question is that it treats God’s law and God’s grace as two opposing forces. Think of biblical history, when the law was given: God had redeemed his children out of captivity, but they didn’t know how to be the children of God. They didn’t know how to walk... Read More

Below is a summary transcript Every culture and generation could say, "Parenting is particularly hard because . . ." But I think there is one thing that is particularly unique about the culture in which we live. It is the availability of things—powerful, attractive things—that distract us. We are so constantly distracted! It is hard to have quiet. It is hard to have reflection. It is hard to have moments of meditation. It is hard to have long conversations... Read More

Below is a summary transcript You want to engender a loving relationship with your children. They should know without a doubt that you deeply love them, even on their worst day. But your job is not to be the best, coolest friend of your child. If you need that kind of peer acceptance from your children, what will happen is you will compromise your authority all over the place. You won't offer them the guidance, the wisdom, and the boundaries that every child needs. In... Read More

Below is a summary transcript If you are a parent, I don't have to tell you that parenting is challenging. It has probably drawn out of you things you didn't think were there. The Bible is incredibly helpful in leading us to understand why it is so challenging. Think about this: what is parenting? It is a flawed person who is commissioned to give direction and guidance and help to a flawed person. Does that discourage you? It doesn't end there. But with the help of... Read More

In 1997, I wrote my first book, Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens. I felt God calling me to write more books, but I was equally as persuaded that Age of Opportunity would be my only one on the topic of parenting. But for the past two decades, as I saw how people were using that book (and my brother Tedd’s book Shepherding a Child's Heart ), I grew increasingly uncomfortable. Something was missing in the way these parents were interpreting and applying the... Read More

At the 2012 Liberate Conference, I taught how grace liberates our relationships. We no longer have to ask another person to provide what Jesus has already given you. In this post, you can watch the full 45-minute session or find shorter clips below that. Full Session Why Aren't Family Vacations Always Peaceful? Vacations are supposed to be relaxing. So how does chaos and conflict always find a way to tag along? Here's a funny story from the Tripp family archive (but... Read More

Don't ask the people in your life to provide what only the Trinity can. Human relationships are most beautiful when purpose, identity and joy have already been found vertically. Read More

"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) Here's why these words are so precious, and how they invite us into a much better way of living. Read More

When you rest in the righteousness of Christ, your marriage (and all other relationships) will grow for these two reasons. Read More