And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6
God is referred to as Father throughout the Bible, but the title of Father can be problematic for those with a troubled relationship with their own dad. If we can set aside our own imperfect situations for a moment, let’s see what is being conveyed about God by that title.
God Provides. As a good father provides for his children, God gives us what we need. He is also called by the name Jehovah Jireh – God will provide. And like a good father, He does not yield to our every wish but only what is for our good.
He protects. God watches over His children. He is a refuge in difficult times, a shield against adversity.
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
He gives us His name. Just as we are given the name of our earthly father, God gives us His name when He brings us into His family. This name declares our relationship to Him and all who share it as well.
He gives us an inheritance. We are His children and heirs and will not be disowned.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
He is merciful. A good father looks with compassion and acts gently toward his children. Be merciful, just as your Father in heaven is merciful. Luke 6:36
He Hears us. Don’t we all want a father who not only hears but listens? In God, we have a Father with the power to intercede when we cry out.
Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24
He disciplines us. God does this for our own good and safety. His rebuke is not out of anger or rage, but to guide and train us.
For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as his child. Hebrews 12:6
Which leads us to His love.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us in that we should be called God’s children, and that is what we are! 1 John 3:1
Just as a good earthly father loves his children before they are capable of loving him back, God loves us first, sacrificing for us, before we even know Him.
This is how the love of God is revealed to us: God has sent His only Son into the world so that we can live through Him. This is love: it is not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son as the sacrifice that deals with our sins. 1 John 4:9-20
Our view of God is strongly influenced by the relationship we have with our own fathers. Sadly, I know many who don’t have a healthy father figure. But God is everything a father should be. Let us be mindful that our experiences with an imperfect father don’t taint our view of our Perfect Father God, but rather let Him be a model to what earthly fathers should strive toward.
Whether our earthly father is loving, absent or a deeply flawed, we can be thankful that we have a perfect Father who will never leave us, never let us down, and loves us more than we can imagine.
“And I will be your Father, and you will be My sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18
