For me, beyond the unmatched gift of salvation and the immense blessing of being a husband, is the honour of being a father. Each day, I lift my heart in gratitude to God for the privilege of being Owethu and Awande’s father. Children are a gift from God and being a father brings immeasurable joy in my life. Yet, fatherhood is also a weighty responsibility. When our little ones first come into the world, they do not arrive with a manual. We find ourselves working out what it means to be a parent with the memories of our own upbringing and through the often humbling process of trial and error. But we are not left to wander in darkness. God’s Word gives wisdom and insight that guides us on the path of fatherhood.
Below are some truths from His Word that can help us be Godly fathers who shape our children to love and serve God.
Lead by Example in Faith and Integrity: Fathers, let us engrave God’s teachings deep on our hearts and let them overflow into the daily rhythms of our lives. Our faith and values should be the cornerstone of our conversations and actions, guiding our children with love. They need to see Jesus in us! “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
Nurture and Encourage with Love: Patience and love are the foundation of nurturing our relationship with our children. As fathers, we are called to guide our children with a gentle hand, encouraging them positively and nurturing their growth with unconditional love. May we show our children the depths of God’s love through our actions. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
Provide for Your Family: As fathers, our duty extends beyond spiritual guidance. It is our responsibility to ensure the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of our families, providing for them with diligence and care to the best of our ability. “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV)
Seek Wisdom and Guidance from God :We don’t know everything! We need God! Fathers we need in every decision to seek God’s wisdom. Let us trust in His guidance and lean on His understanding, allowing Him to direct our paths as we lead our families. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Discipline with Wisdom and Love: Discipline is an act of love. Discipline is not beating or abusing our children. Discipline should be exercised with wisdom and care, guiding our children gently yet firmly on the right path. “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Proverbs 13:24 (NIV)
Teach the Value of Work: Fathers it is so important that we instill in our children a strong work ethic. Teach them to work hard with integrity and diligence, as if working for the Lord. This will set them up for success in their work environments. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Pray for and with Your Family: Make prayer the heartbeat of your home. Pray both for and with your family, encouraging and modeling continuous communication with God. “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
Fathers, as we embrace the privilege and responsibility of being a father, let us lean into God’s Word for strength and guidance. In faith and by His grace, let us, by example, raise our children to walk with God.