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How does God look at fathers? He values honoring parents enough to include it in the Ten Commandments, “honor our fathers, and our mothers, so that, our life will be long upon the land” (Exodus 20:12). This is to be done not just once a year when it falls on Father’s Day but every day! In Ephesians 6:2 it says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with a promise.” Almighty God takes this commandment very seriously. Those who honor their parents are blessed (Jeremiah 35:18-19).
According to Proverbs 1:8; 13:1; 30:17 children are urged to respect their parents. Although we may no longer be directly under their authority, we cannot outgrow God’s command to honor our parents. Even Jesus, submitted Himself to both His earthly parents (Luke 2:51) and His heavenly Father” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39). Following Christ’s example, we should treat our parents the way we would reverentially approach our heavenly Father (Hebrews 12:9; Malachi 1:6).
So how can you honor you earthly father?
1. Honor them with both actions and attitudes (Mark 7:6).
2. Honor their unspoken as well as spoken wishes. “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1).
3. Be respectful. You may not always agree, but always be respectful.
4. Say thanks, and say it often for all his sacrifice. Don’t take the things for granted that he does for you.
5. Ask his advice. He has been there and with years of experience to share with you.
6. Show him you appreciate him by the way you live. Do not shame his name. Do this by living his values.
7. Never forget to acknowledge your father in your own achievements.
8. Remember your father is not perfect, nor are you!
9. Honor your Father in Heaven first, and then all of the above will come easier for you.
Children of all ages should honor their parents, regardless of whether or not their parents “deserve” honor. After children mature, the obedience that they learned as children will serve them well in honoring other authorities such as government, police, and employers.
While I do understand that some have had a horrible father, or have no father at all for one reason or the other. If you are in that group and cannot relate, we can still show honor to the greatest Father of all of us, our Father in Heaven. This is written to the people who have a father who is working hard to be a loving, hardworking father.
Father’s Day is supposed to be a celebration of our amazing fathers. It’s about superhero fathers who love us unconditionally, who are there no matter what. Fathers who comforted us, built us up, and celebrated with us. Fathers who pointed us to Jesus. Maybe your father was abusive.
Maybe your father wasn’t around — choosing work, play, drugs, drink or something else. Or, maybe you never even met your father. Maybe your father cheated on your mom or was never there at the time he was needed.
Or maybe, your fathers is a pretender — putting on a great show, going to, even serving at church — but you know the man behind the curtain.
How do we handle Father’s Day when our fathers are not what they should be?
Honoring is not easy, is not always fun, and certainly is not possible in our own strength. But honor is a certain path to our purpose in life—glorifying God. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Colossians 3:20).
So happy Father Day to all you fathers out there! Thank you for all you do. God notices!
Pastor Nathaniel
Amen 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Amen thanks you pastor God bless 🙏