The role of fathers is more important than ever. They are called upon in the Bible to be leaders, teachers, and providers. That calling is not an easy one, but they can find guidance and encouragement in the Scriptures.
The importance of fathers has been overlooked in today’s society. But the Bible tells a different story of how involved and important good fathers are. Here are 8 things that scriptures says about their role in our families.
1. Fathers teach their children and spend time with them.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Genesis 18:19 “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”
Proverbs 4:1-4 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; for I give you good doctrine: do not forsake my law. When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, he also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live.
Proverbs 10:1 …A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.
1 Chronicles 29:19 “And give my son Solomon a loyal heart to keep Your commandments and Your testimonies and Your statutes, to do all these things, and to build the temple for which I have made provision.”
Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Proverbs 4:11-12 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
Proverbs 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
2. Fathers show their children love and compassion, not teaching their children to become angry or hateful.
Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Psalm 103:13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. (NIV)
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
There is no question that fathers and father figures are vital in today’s communities, as they were from when God first created them. Before you lay down tonight, take some time to pray for the men and fathers in your life. They could use all the prayer they can get.
Do you have any favorite memories of your own father? I’d love to hear them! Please leave a comment below, or you can contact me directly here. Have a great week!
1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
3. Fathers provide for their families.
1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Matthew 7:9-11 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
4. Fathers give their children a legacy.
Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
Proverbs 6:20-22 My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you. For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress.
Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.
Psalm 112:1-3 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.