Return to Index.

Father's Day

The third Sunday in June is when Father's Day is observed in the United States, and on this Sabbath day proceeding Father's Day, I think of not only my human father, but my heavenly Father. I was blessed to have a father (and mother) who provided for me and my sister, and continue to be concerned about us, and love us. We were safe and had our needs met. Sometimes our desires exceeded the financial abilities of the family, but from this I learned what a need was and what was only a desire. Confusing desires with needs is one reason why some have financial difficulties. Several verses come to mind as we approach Father's Day.

Matthew 22:37
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

God is our heavenly Father, and just like we love our human father, we are to love our heavenly Father. Our emotions, our body, and our intellect are ways we can express our love towards God, similar to our human father. In Fiddler on the Roof it is mentioned that physically taking care of the home is an expression of love. When we were younger, our parents took care of us by taking care of the home. As our parents age, sometimes, they need help in taking care of their home.

1 Corinthians 8:3
But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

God loved us before we ever loved him, just like our human father loved us before we ever loved him. This type of love originates with fathers and only later is returned by children. The parable of the prodigal son shows that sometimes the wait can be a very long wait for the love to be returned. The relationship between father and child needs to be based on love. Notice what James writes about God and how God interacts with his children.

James 1:13
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

God, because of his character and nature, cannot be tempted with evil. Additionally, God will not tempt any person with evil. This shows in part that God loves us. In loving children, fathers must be careful to not provoke children to wrath. When children are provoked to wrath by their fathers, their human fathers have tempted them. Children are provoked to wrath in many different ways. Fathers need to be careful with friendly teasing. I think teasing is something that is done between friends and peers. Children may misunderstand and misinterpret the teasing of a father, and good intentions could provoke a child to anger. Notice what Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

As a Christian, I do observe the weekly Sabbath. Some Christians who observe the weekly Sabbath focus solely on obedience. Obedience is required, but of and by itself is not sufficient. When we have done that which is our duty to do, consider ourselves to be unprofitable. Notice Ephesians 6:4 talks about fathers being nurturing. Nurturing is what is done by parents so their children can grow emotionally, physically, and intellectually, and this goes back to Matthew 22:37. Ephesians 6:4 also talks about the admonition of the Lord. I have known some who have taken the word admonition to be a license to be the enforcer. The Greek word means mild rebuke, a warning and implies a calm verbal reply rather than physical punishment. Another of Paul's writings, the letter to the Colossians comes to mind.

Colossians 3:20-21
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

While living at home, children are to obey their parents. Notice that once again, fathers are told not to provoke their children.

Exodus 20:12
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Part of the ten commandments, honoring parents is part of obedience. Parents, help your children honor you by nurturing your children. Do all you can so that your children can grow emotionally, physically, and intellectually. And your children will bring you honor! Happy Father's Day!

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.
Copyright and Legal Information
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information