To all the dads reading this, happy Father’s Day! One of the many things that the Bible teaches us about God is that he is our Father. As our Father, God does many things for us. Christian fathers strive each day to be more godly and provide for his family and his church the things that God provides to his children. Here are three things that God gives us and that Christian fathers strive to give to their family.

First, God provides protection. While he does not shield us from every harm or inconvenience, he is nevertheless a shield around us (Ps. 3:3). He surrounds his people (Ps. 125:1-2) and we have the assurance that nothing that happens to us was a result of any inability on God’s part to protect us. He allows us to experience difficulties that we can overcome with his help, but he never gives us more than we can handle with the help of his strength (1 Cor. 10:13). Fathers, you reflect God when you take steps to protect your family from harm–physical, emotional, and most importantly, spiritual harm. Be the watchdog for your family and be on the lookout for things that threaten the spiritual health of your home, your family, and your marriage. 

Second, God provides affection. It may sound trite, but it is true: God loves YOU. The greatest expression of his love for the people he created is seen in the fact that he sent his Son to die and bear the punishment for your sin so that you can be reconciled with God (John 3:16). He spares no expense in showering love on us. Fathers, you reflect God when you show affection to your family. Your wife, your kids (even grown children) and your grandchildren–they all need and want your affection. Let them know how loved they are. And remember, by the way you self-sacrificially love your family, you are teaching them something about God and his love for them.

Third, God provides direction. God teaches us in the Bible about things that matter eternally. He gives us guidance on how to live life in a way that is holy and wholesome and that pleases him. Fathers, you reflect God when you provide guidance for your family. You give this to them from your own life experience, but more importantly you give them guidance by bringing them in contact with the word of God to benefit directly from his wisdom.

Protection, affection, and direction: fathers, the more you give these things to your family, the more you resemble God, who is the best Father there is. Your wife, your kids, your grandkids, and your church need these things from you. Our world desperately needs godly fathers. Will you step up to the plate? Will you answer the call?