A male parent that goes way past the biological definition. Father, dad, papa, chief, pops, captain, and lovingly daddy.

All of these names when spoken trigger different emotions. But what characteristics do they bring to mind? What characteristics do you see or remember about your father? Protector, provider, and guide. Our dads help shape us as a child through their influence, support and love.

Our families today don’t look much different than they did all the way back in the Old Testament. Traditional and blended families exist today and we read several stories in God’s word of the same. God sending men out to marry widows or the single mother. We also read about the same sin that happens today within the sacred bond of marriage. The sin that causes separation of family and separation from God. Today through Jesus Christ death on the cross a repentful heart, one who seeks forgiveness there is the gift of restoration. It may not always look the same for everyone, but God is a merciful God.

The world can blur the truth about the roles of a father. Our experiences as a child and choices as adults defines how we want to navigate parenting. Not turning a blind eye to some of the hurtful experience’s children have had to endure; my heart truly aches for them. I am reminded of the song lyrics ‘Cats in the Cradle’ by Harry Chapin. We hear the story of a father that was so busy with work and his life that time escaped him of a relationship with his son.

Not everyone has experienced the same relationship as you may have with your father. Pray for healing of the hurt and that they will seek God as their Father and counsel from a trusted believer for restoration today. Fathers play a key role in all of our lives. If we had a good day, it shows; if you had a bad one, it shows; and if you didn’t have a dad, that shows.

The good news is that there is one Father in our lives that is the same today and always. Hebrews 13:8 – God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

There is nothing more spectacular than becoming a father. The overwhelming joy experience when you hold that little person in your arms, that part of you that smiles so gently at the tone of your voice. That physical touch is so important and can be healing during skinned knees and broken hearts.

What is more important is the relationship that is developing between father and child. When we lose sight of our relationship as a father with our children, we can blur the line between love and leverage. It is the foundation for all our relationships. The greatest blessing a earthly father can teach their child is about the love that God our Heavenly Father has for us.

Like our earthly fathers, we should desire deep personal relationship with God our Father. He wants to be your father; each one of us. 1 John 3:1a – See how v very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and this is what we are! God wants will help us developed deep loving relationships throughout our life. 1 John 3:1b – But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know Him.

I am not trying to make light of all the school concerts, baseball, football, basketball games and broken hearts you dads have been through. These actions strengthen the bond between father and child. These experiences go beyond the deep expression of love that we share with our children. Loving them and teaching them about the love for others is monumental.

Teaching them about the love of the Father in Heaven will go with them as they grow and move onto college or work. As they start their own families and begin to decide their role and what type of man, friend and father they will become.

God our Father wants a dad to be loving, faithful and a role model. Demonstrating forgiveness and compassion; reflecting the character of God. Ephesians 6:4- Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Today I leave you all with this pray for our fathers. Heavenly Father, on this father’s day and always we thank you for our earthly father. We ask for your strength as they guide their children. Grant them patience, understanding, and love in all they do and say. Teach them to be supportive and an encouragement for their children.