A Father's Love

Ephesians 6:4 NIV - "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Keep Reading...

​Fathers have such a pivotal role in a child's upbringing. They have a unique ability to confirm the identity of that precious one. They can solidify security in the Heavenly Father and bring an underlying confidence to that child's life.

But fathers do not always follow the ways of their Heavenly Father. Because of their own insecurities, they can exasperate (lit. provoke to anger) their children through intimidation, control and neglect. God is clear that fathers should never provoke their children in this way. It only leads  to deep insecurities within the children and a reserve in their relationship with God.

What is the main role of the father? To bring up his children in the training and instruction of the Lord. This can be done in many ways. The most fundamental way to train them in God's ways is to love them the way God does - unconditionally. The children need to know that their father consistently loves them no matter what. Even in discipline, the father should show the kindness of the Heavenly Father.   Discipline should never be done out of anger or with the aim to "get back at" the child. This would lead to exasperating the child.

Training and instruction of the Lord needs to be centered around God's ways from God's Word. It's the father's responsibility to ground his children in the Bible… to model submission to God through regularly reading his Word with them. This should be done in age appropriate ways, so that real training can take place.

If you have not experienced an earthly father's unconditional love, do not be afraid. The Lord desires to show you the height, depth, breadth and width of his love. Read Ephesians 3:14-21. Ask the Father for an experience with his love that surpasses knowledge. He will give it to you. You can trust him today.