This is one of the greatest gifts we have as Christ followers, but also can cause the most difficulty for some. It is often hard to discuss the advantages of a loving father when so many in our society did not have a good role model in their own father. This requires two important mindsets for us to consider. First, we cannot impose the failure of our earthly fathers to taint our opinion of God as our Father. Secondly, we must learn the attributes of our Heavenly Father and how they apply to us.
I had a great dad growing up. Some of you may not agree when you hear the relationship we had. I don’t remember throwing a ball with my dad, ever! In fact, I can’t remember a single time Dad played with me. I never remember him going to a parent/teacher conference at my school. He never chaperoned a school field trip. I could often go days without seeing him as he left for work before I got up in the morning and was often not home from his second or third job by the time I was in bed. When I got older and we spent time together, it was always working. Although he had a full-time factory job, we would paint houses or do repairs or yard work for in the evenings and on Saturdays.
Even though the above description does not sound like a resumé of a great father, I stand by my statement, “I had a great dad!” I can say this because amid his hard work, Dad made it a priority to teach me to love and honor our Lord and his Church. When Dad was home in the evening we would gather as a family for Bible reading and prayer together. Church was not optional. It wasn’t forced on us, it was just what we did every Sunday because Dad modeled it as a priority and we learned to love this important part of our lives. I am grateful for my father.
So when I look at what it means to have a heavenly Father, I start with the blessing it has been in my life to be taught to love and honor God. Then I go to Scripture to learn the advantages of having God as my Heavenly Father. He is loving, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1. He is kind, “So that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:7-8. He is compassionate, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8. He is faithful, “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23. He is forgiving, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. He is sovereign, “The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19. He is our refuge, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:1-2. His is the giver of all that is good, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. He shows mercy, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5. This is just a brief sampling of the character of our Heavenly Father. In a phrase, he is everything I could ever ask or imagine. All I need to do is submit myself into his care and he will provide all I need for peace and joy in my life.