A Good Father says: I love you. As I reflect on my childhood, I remember several friends who lived with uncertainty in their relationship with their parents, especially their fathers. They longed to hear words of love and approval.
But I also saw other kids who had total confidence in that love and approval. God, o u r Father, sent His Son to save us, a love like no other—a love that gives us hope, life, and a future.
Another thing a Good Father says: Let me kiss it and make it better.
Even as a young child, I remember observing two different kinds of fathers in my church. When children fell and scraped their knees, I saw dads react in two ways. Some fathers would pick up their children, set them back on their feet, and tell them to get over it. Other fathers would pick up their children, hold them in their arms, show comfort, and say, “Let me kiss it better.” God calls to the children’s hearts, saying, “Let them come to me.” His arms are open wide to receive, hold, and soothe our hurts.
A Good Father will also say: Come with me. In life, fathers train up a child, and it’s an ongoing series of lessons, love moments, hard realities, corrections, and seeking a life filled with integrity, hope, and joy. Some fathers build relationships with their children, while others do not. I admire the father who says, “Come with me.” And God says this, too, “Follow me.”
The Good Father says this: You’re forgiven. Fathers will sometimes need to punish their children, but Christ has not withheld forgiveness and reconciliation from us. So hearing you are forgiven can bring so much joy. That’s something Jesus extends to us always.
A Good Father will say: Let’s pray. In the rhythm of daily life with all its ups and downs, I’ve watched my husband seek God’s strength, help, and wisdom. As a human father, he revealed his dependency on the best and greatest Father in the world, and I have learned from him that the good dad quickly says, “Let’s pray.” Remember, in the garden, before Jesus was crucified, he prayed to His Father.
Then a Good Father will say: You can do it with Jesus.
A challenge fathers face is showing their children that behavior reflects the heart and that the child cannot simply will himself into heart change. This is where the gospel becomes so precious because it begins our need for a Savior who gives us the strength to make it through and face our obstacles.
So what have you heard from your father? What memories linger? What do you remember from your childhood?
As Easter approaches, a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds us of our Good Father, who sent Jesus to redeem, rescue, and give new life. And we’re reminded the tomb was empty after the crucifixion.
Now, if you grew up with harshness, without a father’s love, God, the Father, extends his mercy to you. He loves you. He forgives. He offers life. He’s as close as the next prayer you send his way. He died for you so that you might experience His love! And He says, “Follow me.”
