Father’s Day is a time to remember, honor, express appreciation to notable men, and give thanks to God for men who have blessed, influenced and made a difference. These expressions and acknowledgments of appreciation may refer or apply to a biological father or a father-figure looked up to as a spiritual father or mentor: One who has invested time or made an impact in significant and tangible ways.
Commendable characteristics of godly men can be found throughout the Bible. The following selected Scriptures detail a few important and encouraging examples:
Being a Loving Provider
9 Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:9-11).
Demonstrating Compassion
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him (Psalm 103:13).
Exercising an Even-tempered Demeanor
He who restrains his words has knowledge,
And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding (Proverb 17:27).
Functioning as a Teacher
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction
And do not forsake your mother’s teaching; (Proverb 1:8).
Giving Parental Guidance
Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverb 22:6).
Modeling God-honoring Behavior
10 You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
Possessing Integrity
A righteous man who walks in his integrity—
How blessed are his sons after him (Proverb 20:7).
Providing Discipline and Correction
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord
Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the Lord loves He reproves,
Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights (Proverbs 3:11, 12).
During this month take some time to acknowledge and express gratitude to men who seek to live God-honoring lives and are a blessing to others. Also, as followers of Christ, express appreciation to men who been influential, helpful and a blessing. And, don’t forget to give thanks to our Father in heaven for His goodness, faithfulness and abundant blessings.
Bible verses are from The New American Standard Bible, 1995.
Pastor Cecil Price
June 16, 2024