On Sunday it is Father's Day – a day dedicated to honouring and celebrating Dads everywhere. The Bible says a lot about the role of fatherhood, with one member of the Trinity desribed as Father God. We are all created in God's image, and so often our earthly roles reflect his Godly character. Fatherhood is just one of those roles, so let us honour fathers and spiritual fathers who have shown us something of God's love through the love they have for their children.
Here are 10 Bible verses to encourage fathers of their role and value in God's creation.
Matthew 7:9-11
"Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 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 good things to those who ask Him!"
Psalms 127:3-5
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
Proverbs 20:7
"The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him."
Proverbs 22: 36
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Malachi 4:6
"He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse."
Psalm 103:13
"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him."
Colossians 3:21
"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."
Exodus 20:12
"Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Luke 15:20,22-24
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him... But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"
