Our Good Father

What are some characteristics of a good father? One who loves his childrennot for what they do (or don’t do) but simply because they are his. One who takes the time to listen to and encourage his children. One who is a safe place and a shelter from harm. But in this broken world, not all fathers are good fathers and no father is perfect. If you had no positive father influence in your life at all, the concept of a good father might seem as distant as the far side of the sea. Even if your own father figure was an amazing example of what a father should be, he will still let you down sometimes because, apart from Christ, we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Whatever we have personally experienced when it comes to fathers, we have this common thread of hope: in Christ, God is our Father. He is THE Father here before the world was formed, speaking all creation into existence (John 1:1-14). Loving us so deeply He gave His only Son for us, even when we were still caught in sin (John 3:16-18; Romans 5:8). Like the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, God is always waiting for us with open arms when we return from our wandering. There are no limits to His love, no sin too appalling. Through faith in Christ, we belong to the family of God, even when we fail (Romans 8). Because of Jesus, when we come before our Father’s throne of grace, we will find mercy, grace, and help (Hebrews 4:14-16). He is our Rock and refuge (Psalm 18:2). He rescues us from sin and temptation even from the grave (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:3-5)! When we belong to our Father God, no one can snatch us out of His hands (John 10:29). Because of Jesus, our Father will dwell with us forever (Matthew 28:20; John 14:23-26; Revelation 21:1-5). Savannah Coleman When you think of the word “father,” what feelings flood your mind? If you have been abandoned or mistreated by your earthly father, know this: in Christ, there is a heavenly Father who won’t leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Rest in God’s unchanging nature, bringing your wounded heart to be held and healed by the One who loves you unconditionally (1 Peter 5:7). Reread today’s Bible passages. What are some of the ways God is a good Father? A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5 (WEB)

Read Verses:

Psalm 68:5-6; Luke 11:11-13; John 10:27-30