Fathers play challenging yet amazing roles in the lives of their children. Fathers often make many sacrifices in order to help their children achieve their goals and dreams. They show courage and determination, and model qualities that raise their sons and daughters to become responsible, caring adults. Some fathers are not equipped or able to live up to the ideal. Hopefully, there will be forgiveness and healing for those fathers and children in order for all to have peaceful hearts.
Fathers (and mothers) need all the help they can get to raise children to become the principled adults that God intends them to be. The most marvelous reality is that God uses ordinary men with imperfections to become the parent of His own children. Yes, it is true. Our children do not belong to us but are members of God’s own family. The very first and best thing a father can do for his children is to seek the assistance of the Father of us all through prayer and guidance.
Romans, Chapters 12 and 13, in the Bible offer wonderful instructions for fathers to guide their children to grow into people with character, compassion, and dignity. The following is advice based on these chapters of scripture.
- Love authentically, with a true sincerity of heart. Love and serve God above all things. Love each other and put others before yourselves.
- Run from what is evil and remain close and hold fast to what is good.
- Be joyful in hope and patient when hard times come.
- Pray always.
- Practice hospitality and kindness.
- Bless those who oppose you.
- Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who are mourning.
- Do not be proud, conceited or arrogant, but show friendship to those who have less and know less than you do, discovering the beauty of each person. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
- Live at peace with others as much as possible and do not seek revenge when wronged. Let God be the judge.
- Feed those who are hungry and thirsty, especially those you don’t agree with. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing what is good.
- Be a good citizen, living responsibly. Do what is right and avoid what is wrong. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills and respect your leaders.
- Believe the best of other people’s motives.
Pretty good fatherly advice from the Father of us all!
Whether you are a father, grandfather, mentor or leader of people, it is wise to remember that God has a way of using flawed people to do good things!