I am among the lucky few, who has a dad that is AMAZING! My dad has been my biggest cheerleader, my number one spectator, and wisest teacher in my life. I know my heavenly Father adores me, because my earthly father does. Father to me is warm rhubarb pie with vanilla ice cream on top, or a warm fuzzy blanket on a cold night. Comfort, joy, love. But to too many people I know, "father" conjures up hurt, rejection or abandonment.
So when Father's Day roles around it can be hard to celebrate something that leaves an ache in your heart. I want to encourage you to think about these things this Father's Day.
- OFFER GRACE. No one is perfect, even Dads. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 God is the only father that can love perfectly. You can demonstrate Godly love to your own dad by offering grace. Grace does not excuse his bad choices and all the times he missed the mark. But Jesus calls us to forgive. Forgiveness is for you. Forgiveness removes bitterness and makes our hearts right with God. After-all, we ask God to forgive our sins, what if he said, "no"?
- PRAY FOR HIM. Your father may not even know Jesus, but God can move mountains. Pray that he would come to know the love God has for him. Pray that God would heal his brokenness and give him purpose.
- HONOR YOUR FATHER. "Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord has given you." Exodus 20:12 This is the first commandment with a promise. Just as we are to honor the One who created us, we are to honor the ones God chose to carry out God's plan for our creation. Your unique being came directly from him, and you have some of his attributes. Focus on his strengths. Honoring your dad also means you acknowledge those gifts and the fact that he too is a child of God and loved dearly by the creator. It may seem hard to honor your father when the things he says or does hurt you, but that is what God requires of you. He felt so strongly about it, that he made it one of the ten commandments.
No matter how great or how poor your relationship is with your Dad, you have a reason to celebrate this Fathers Day. Why? Because you have a heavenly Father who loves you unconditionally. He thinks you are amazing, beautiful, and worthy. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!