And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.
II Corinthians 6: 18 (NLT)
Scripture: II Corinthians 6: 14-18
God established Himself as our Father. That gives us a clear picture as to how dads [and moms] should interact with their children. In fact, we can learn much on how we should interact with anyone. This devotion looks at God our Father.
Cliff Notes
- A good father gives love unconditionally.
- A good father takes care of his children’s needs.
- A good father makes sure his children are safe.
- A good father is just a phone call or shout out away.
- A good father never punishes without a reason or without a purpose, but he does correct his children when needed.
- A good father forgives his children when they apologize (and sometimes when they don’t), and they move on.
- A good father is a constant in his children’s lives.
Some would say that it is hard to have a relationship with someone who is not here. That could be applied to God.
However, God has established Himself in a very unique relationship with us – He is our heavenly Father. He is not only our Creator, Ruler and Judge, but He also loves us deeply.
The Bible gives us a very comforting promise that shows the depth of this love: “I [God] will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (Jn. 14: 18 NIV). That says He will always be here for us and will seek us out when needed.
We can learn a lot from how God interacts with us as our Father. This helps us see how fathers’ [and mothers’] relationship should be with their children. In reality, it gives us a good idea as to how we should interact with others – period.
To make this read better, I am going to just say fathers (since this is Father’s Day). But every time I do, we can just in our minds read “person.”
God Loves Us
Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are. But since the people of this world did not know who Christ is, they don't know who we are (I Jn. 3: 1 CEV)
We know that God has been described as being love (I Jn. 4: 8). His character exhibit this love. Our children need to know that we love them – by our telling them and by our showing them.
Sometimes, though, it is hard to fathom just how much God loves us. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3: 16 NLT). This is an extreme sacrifice because of love.
God did it willingly for us. Not only that, it was His plan – His idea. That speaks volumes.
A good father gives love unconditionally. Unconditionally means without limits as to the depth of the love.
God Provides for Us
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4: 19 HCSB)
Many people struggle today. It is hard to make ends meet.
It is comforting to know that God will meet our needs. He may not necessarily meet our wants, but our needs will be met.
A good father takes care of his children’s needs. He provides a way for them to live.
God Protects Us
The Lord replies, “I will arise and defend the oppressed, the poor, the needy. I will rescue them as they have longed for me to do.” (Ps. 12: 5 LB)
This one might be a harder one for us to see. We don’t see God grabbing us or shooting out a steadying arm when we are falling. We don’t see Him stepping in front of us when something bad is heading our way.
Instead, God just does it. “But the LORD your God has promised to go ahead of you, like a raging fire burning everything in its path. So when you attack your enemies, it will be easy for you to destroy them and take their land” (Deut. 9: 3 CEV). He makes our way easier for us.
A good father makes sure his children are safe. He stands up for them when they are threatened.
God Is Available to Us
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (Mt. 7: 7-8 NKJV)
Some might think these verses makes God our genie – ask for three wishes, and they will be granted. It doesn’t work that way.
If we seek Him, we will always find God. Ask Him, and He will always provide for us what we need (refer to #2). Knock, and He will lead us down the paths that are best for us.
To me, this means that God is already just a prayer away, ready to provide for us.
A good father is just a phone call or shout out away. He is ready to give advice or encouragement when needed. He is always there just to be there when needed.
God Disciplines Us
And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. (Heb. 12: 5 NLT)
We talked a little in the previous devotion about the consequences of sin not meaning God doesn’t forget the sins.
To read Does God Remember Our Sins?, click the button below.
God disciplines us when we screw up in order to teach us how to do better. He wants us to learn from our mistakes in order to do better next time.
A good father never punishes without a reason or without a purpose, but he does correct his children when needed. He trains his children so they are prepared to be good people (Prov. 22: 6).
God Forgives Us
Our God, no one is like you. We are all that is left of your chosen people, and you freely forgive our sin and guilt. You don't stay angry forever; you're glad to have pity (Mic. 7: 18 CEV)
Because God loves us (refer to #1), He forgives us when we sin. Not only that, He provided the plan of salvation so that our relationship with Him could be restored.
God’s mercy is the way He shows us His forgiveness. Mercy is when He doesn’t punish us as we deserve.
A good father follows God’s lead. He forgives his children when they apologize (and sometimes when they don’t), and they move on.
God Never Changes
Every good and perfect gift comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the creator of heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning (Jas. 1: 7 GNT).
We talked about some pretty nice characteristics that God has. We can be comforted by the fact that God isn’t going to change. He isn’t going to stop loving us, protecting us, or providing for us. God is always available for us. Even though He disciplines us, He will never not forgive us when we ask.
A good father is a constant in his children’s lives. He is always there for them with love and protection. He is going to provide them what they need growing up and advice when they are grown. He is ready to forgive them and correct them when needed. He is always there.
Father. All through Your Word, You have given us examples by which we should live our lives. The example that permeates Your Word is how You love us as a Father. Help us to follow Your example. Most of all, help us to raise our children and show others Your love and mercy for us. Amen.
What do you think? Which characteristics are your strongest? Which do you need to work on?
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