Articles
Matthew 7:9–11; 1 John 3:1; Ephesians 5:1; Hebrews 12:5–11
Have you ever received “the lawn chair lecture”? It’s that moment when a dad sits down in the yard, takes a deep breath, and begins a conversation filled with advice, dad-wisdom, and maybe a funny warning like, “That’s why you never run with hedge trimmers.”
While we may laugh at those moments, we often realize later that our fathers were trying to help us grow up right. Whether we had a great dad, a struggling dad, or no dad at all, we all need father figures. Even more, we need the example of our Heavenly Father.
The Bible describes God not just as our Creator and King, but as our Father. And what a Father He is:
1. He Gives Good Gifts
Jesus said even earthly fathers—imperfect as they are—know how to give good gifts to their children. “How much more,” He says, “will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him” (Matt. 7:11). Every breath, every blessing, every answered prayer is a reminder of His generosity. God gives us not always what we want, but always what we need.
Good fathers reflect that same spirit—not with extravagance, but with sacrificial love. They give their time, attention, and care to help their children grow.
2. He Comforts Us in Trials
God is called “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). He sees our stresses, fears, and tears—and He invites us to cast our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).
Fathers, our children need to know we care. They need to feel emotionally and spiritually safe with us. A good father doesn’t need to be perfect—just present.
3. He Disciplines with Love
Discipline is not punishment for the past—it’s preparation for the future. Hebrews 12 reminds us that God disciplines those He loves, and that “later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11).
Our kids need guidance, not just correction. Discipline done in love shapes character and strengthens faith. As Ephesians 6:4 says, we are to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
4. He Never Leaves
One of God’s greatest promises is this: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). God doesn’t walk away when things get hard. He’s steady, patient, faithful.
Fathers, your kids need that same commitment. Even when they act like they don’t want you around—stay. Your presence matters more than you know.
Be Imitators of God
Ephesians 5:1 tells us, “Be imitators of God, as beloved children.” And 1 John 3:1 reminds us of the amazing love God has for us—calling us His own children.
To every father striving to live this out: thank you. Thank you for the quiet sacrifices, the spiritual leadership, and the love that reflects the heart of God. You may not be perfect, but you are following the One who is.
Final Encouragement
Keep going, Dad. You’re making an eternal difference. And one day, your children may look back and say:
“My dad? He was the real deal. He was an imitator of God”
