Father’s Day Is Coming

Father’s Day is Coming

Father’s Day is not only a time to remember and honor our own fathers. It is also a helpful reminder of the privilege and responsibility to all of us who are fathers of our own children.

Most of us were not trained or prepared on how to be a good dad.  We just learned along the way. Many of us had good models to follow by watching our own fathers. But, I think most men feel unprepared for the role of being a dad to their own children.

There is a short passage in the Bible that points out three specific things fathers need to do for their children. In First Thessalonians 2:12, the Apostle Paul said that “he dealt with the people in this new church in northern Greece like a father deals with his own children”.

First, he encouraged them. I’m convinced one of the best things a father can do for his children is to provide lots of encouragement. Children often face discouragement and disappointment. They need a father who can reassure and encourage them on a daily basis. Your kids need a steady flow of encouraging words!

Second, Paul comforted these new believers. Fathers need to provide comfort and reassurance for their kids. Children experience fear and concerns. They get scrapes and bruises. They need a father who can pick them up and help them get back on their feet.

Third, children need to be challenged. Fathers need to help their children gain self-confidence in this competitive world. They need to believe they can succeed. One way to do this is to challenge your children to do things that they are reluctant to try. When children experience success, it strengthens their self-confidence. It helps them realize that they can do more than they thought they could.

Let me encourage you to look for ways to encourage, comfort and challenge your children. You will be glad you did and they will too!  Happy Father’s Day!

This article is part of a book written by Mark Hopper titled “Let Me Encourage You” which contains 365 inspiring stories and articles – one for every day of the year. To get a copy of his book email the author at markh@efreedb.org.