There are many things we can talk about from the letters of the word F.A.T.H.E.R.

F – Forgiveness

Luke 15:22-24 (MSG) But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time.

  • A father must forgive his children instead of harbouring hatred and frustration
  • Jesus recognizes that the Heavenly Father forgives
    • Luke 23:42 Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing
  • The son decided to turn back as he knew that his father is a loving and forgiving father
  • So do not create hatred, but create love a spirit of forgiveness for our children, so that they may know and learn the character of God

 

A – Affirms

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

  • A father must affirm his children, and not to provoke them
  • Don’t say things with the intention to make them angry just because you are frustrated
  • Do not compare your children with others and do not put them down just because they are not as good as others – you may create a spirit of rivalry in the children through just words
  • When the fathers did not affirm their children, it may destroy their confidence
  • Pray together with your children, and remind them that God has a better plan when they fail

 

T – Teaches

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death.

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.

 

H – Haven

  • A father must be a figure of rest for his children
  • “A good father does these basic things: provides for his family, protects his family, and gives spiritual and moral guidance.” David Blankenhorn
  • Every child has a right to hold a father’s hand

E – Example

  • A father must be a good example of his children
  • Teaching from school can never be enough, there must be a good role model at home
  • A child follows what the parents do, and they learn through example
  • My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him to it-Clarence B. Kelland

 

R – Reliable

  • A father must be trustworthy, do not break promises
  • A father is a son’s first Hero (and hero never lies) and a daughter’s first love (and a lie will break her heart)
  • “Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song.” Pam Brown

 

A Godly father forgives, affirms, teaches and discipline his children. He is a figure of rest and a good example for his children. He is trustworthy, and never break promises.