Men of faith today is Father’s Day in the UK. It’s a day to honour dads. But at Forge of Faith, it’s a call to lead as Christ leads. Godly fathers anchor their families in truth.
The World’s Father’s Day
Father’s Day began in America in 1910. Sonora Dodd honoured her dad, a single father of six. The UK adopted it in the 1940s. Now it’s about cardss and gifts. But God’s plan for fathers is bigger.
God’s Design for Fathers
Scripture calls fathers to lead spiritually. Ephesians 6:4 says, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” As fathers, a key part of parental discipline is to nurture their children’s growth and to avoid causing them anger or discouragement.
Fatherhood can be quite a journey, especially with so many new ideas in the world today. It really does require a lot of patience to raise a child in a loving environment. My son is non-verbal and autistic, which means it takes a bit more effort, but I truly appreciate how my wife and I work together as a team. It makes the experience all the more rewarding!
It's really important to remember that frustration and anger shouldn’t lead to discipline. Instead, fathers can choose to act in a firm yet loving way, treating their children just as Jesus would treat those He cares for.
The image that your child or children see in you plays a crucial role in their development and helps shape their understanding of what Christ is like.
Psalm 103:13 “As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him.” God embodies the qualities of a loving father, gentle and compassionate. Unfortunately, not every child experiences such tenderness and compassion from their father. It's truly heartbreaking that cycles of abuse and dysfunction can deprive children of the loving fathers they deserve.
God invites you to embrace Him as your Father, filling the void that some of us feel when we lack a father figure in our lives. Whether it's due to loss or estrangement, many share this experience. Having lost my own father a few years ago, I truly empathise with those who find themselves in similar circumstances.
While we cannot share physical experiences with God as we do with your father—like walking the dog or having those meaningful father-son talks—He can still fill your heart with His love through the wonderful Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). If you approach Him in prayer, God can deeply and compassionately heal your profound loss today.
Rejecting False Traditions
Some tie Father’s Day to old Catholic practices like Saint Joseph’s Day. We stand on the Bible alone. Father’s Day isn’t about rituals. It’s about living God’s Word. Don’t settle for less.
Saying No to Spiritual Abuse
Sadly, some husbands pull their families from Bible-believing churches. They choose entertainment-driven churches because God’s Word feels “too heavy.” They may feel intimidated by men who cherish their wives and children with godly strength. This dishonours God’s design. True masculinity lifts up families in faith, not fear. Lead with courage. Stay in the Word.
Step Up Today
This Father’s Day, pray for boldnesss to lead well. Read Scripture with your kids. Show them Jesus through your actions. If you’re not a dad, honour your father (Exodus 20:12) or mentor a young man. Join Forge of Faith online to grow as a man of God. Make Father’s Day about faith, not just cards. Lead like Christ. Start now.
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