Word of the Week - Father
“Our Father in Heaven…” – Matthew 6:9
The Power of a Father’s Influence
The impact of a father is profound—especially in shaping faith. Consider these statistics: when a child is first in the family to find Christ, only 5% of families follow. When the mother is first, 22% follow. But when the father is first, 93% of families follow. That’s the unique and God-given influence of a father in leading a home spiritually.
A father’s role—protector, provider, teacher, encourager, example—is deeply formative. But the most essential gift a father gives is unconditional love. Love is the key, for as 1 Peter 4:8 says, “Love covers a multitude of sins.”
Knowing the Unconditional Love of Our Abba Father “A father doesn’t tell you he loves you, he shows you.” – a great Dad. I’m blessed to have a father whose love for me was never in question. My dad’s unconditional love for me, combined with Jesus’ healing in my life, has allowed me to fully embrace the love of God the Father. Now, as a dad to three amazing daughters, two sons by marriage, and eight wonderful grandkids, I count fatherhood as the most joyful and fulfilling role of my life. Like my own dad, I’ve tried my best—but I’ve also made mistakes and unintentionally hurt my kids along the way.
That’s why I’m so thankful for our perfect Father in Heaven—“gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8). God gives us the model for fatherhood, and by His grace, we can sow love and blessing into the generations after us. “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him” (Psalm 127:3).
Our Eternal Father
No matter your story with your earthly father—good, painful, or absent—God is your eternal Father. Through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, He longs to restore and heal what is broken. He is the Good, Good Father who leaves the 99 to find the one. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:13).
“And He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6).
Challenge Question:
How is your view of God shaped by your relationship with your earthly father—and are you willing to let God redefine “Father” through His perfect love for you?
Happy Father’s Day!