Was a Father’s love part of your childhood experience? Or was your father a distant or harsh man?
“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” ―Billy Graham
Why does it make sense to call God our Heavenly Father?
To begin with God created us. We are His child first; weeks before our parents learn the pregnancy test is positive.
“For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.” Psalms 139:13 NKJV
“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” Psalms 139:16 NKJV
Earthly fathers are fallible. God, the Father, is not. He is our good Father all the time. Where there is love, there is also discipline. As children we need correction when we go astray. Don’t resent God’s discipline. It is for our good and His glory.
“For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:12 NKJV
Fathers Have Great Responsibility
My father didn’t teach God’s word to his children, but he was a good man. He worked hard for our family and perhaps he thought that was enough. But God says there is more to fatherhood than being a good man. Lessons from His word are of greater importance and are meant to be taught.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NKJV
God warns fathers not to be harsh with their children lest they lose heart. When a child believes he is unworthy of love, or worthless, they either shrink inside or turn to destructive behaviors.
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 NKJV
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Colossians 3:21 NKJV
Honor Your Heavenly Father First
To live as an earthly father should, means honoring your Heavenly Father first. Remember the Lord’s goodness given to you and then pass those good gifts into the lives of your children.
“So God created man in His own image; In the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 NKJV
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 NKJV
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NKJV
A Father’s Pledge
This Father’s Day will you choose to be the Dad God knows you can be? It’s a personal decision only you can make. No matter what your age, it’s never too late to start. Whether children are young or already grown, there is no blessing greater than a father’s love.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be a father who hears your voice, above all others. Prompt me to lead my children in Your ways by sharing Bible verses with them, and a Dad whose heart reflects the love of Jesus in me. Draw me into Your wisdom where love triumphs overall. Amen
Coaches Corner:
Some fathers know they struggle to give a father’s love to their children. If this describes you, please bless your children by talking with a life coach. The first 30-minute session is free. Coach Maxine – Rebuilding Families
