By bro Lee Tian Seng
At times, we do not think much of what our fathers do for us. Perhaps, it is timely to appreciate them for:
1. Being our teachers
Godly fathers know that it is their responsibility to “train up a child in the way he/she should go.” To do that, fathers need to know the Scriptures and teach their children the Bible principles for living. When children grow up, they will appreciate their fathers who helped them in their spiritual growth and character development.
Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
2. Being our examples
Not only are our fathers our teachers, they are also examples that we look up to. Good fathers make effort to be good examples to their children. They are mindful of their speech, lest their children learn harsh and unkind words from them. When children grow up, they remember what their fathers did more than what they said. Fathers become their role models in life and they are thankful for it.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 - You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on
3. Providing for our needs
It is expected of fathers to be bread-winners. Good fathers work hard to earn an income to pay for the education of their children and every need they have. They also ensure that the needs of the whole family is taken care of. Children understand that fathers do this out of love and appreciate it.
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.
4. Disciplining us
Responsible fathers discipline their children because they love them. They set standards of behaviour and expect their children to follow. At times, children get frustrated and angry with their fathers because of the strict rules and punishments, but they appreciate these when they grow up.
Proverbs 13:24 - He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
5. Connecting with us
Great fathers spend time talking to their children in conversations on everything that matter to them. They are there to guide and comfort them. They provide listening ears to their children and find time to play and be with them. Children appreciate this because it is invaluable to their childhood development.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - “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.”
There are many things that fathers do besides what is mentioned above. We should appreciate our fathers. Happy Father’s Day.