In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the apostle Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” By God’s design, Christians are to be people of gratitude in every situation. With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to godly fathers and grandfathers. While we should communicate our thankfulness throughout the entire year and not just on one particular day, Father’s Day provides a wonderful opportunity to remind our fathers how grateful we are for who they are and what they do each day.
Fathers, thank you for your leadership. Fathers have been given a great responsibility by God. In Ephesians 5:23, the apostle Paul writes, “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.” Not much later in the same letter, Paul gives further instruction to fathers: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” According to God’s design and wisdom, fathers are to lead their households within the will of God. Through both their words and their example, fathers are to lead their wives and children closer to Jesus. I know that this is not an easy responsibility to fulfill. You and I both know that you are not perfect. But I am thankful for your willingness to embrace the role God has given you. Through your leadership, you are making an eternal difference in the lives of those closest to you. As you grow as a disciple of Jesus, you are helping your wife and children grow as disciples of Jesus as well.
Fathers, thank you for your hard work. In Ecclesiastes 9:10, the Bible says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” I believe we can see that principle lived out in the lives of many fathers. Fathers have a great deal to balance. They want to spend quality time with their wives. They want to be with their children as much as possible. At the same time, they work full-time jobs to provide for their families. They have responsibilities around the house that need attention. They have hobbies and interests they enjoy. They strive to stay engaged in the life and work of the church. Fathers carry many responsibilities, and sometimes it may feel like there are not enough hours in the day. I know that you are often tired and exhausted. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for doing what is necessary to get the job done. Our world, our community, our church family, and our individual families are all better because of it.
Fathers, thank you for your example. It should be the goal of every earthly father to imitate and reflect our heavenly Father. Out of all the ways God could have chosen to describe Himself in His Word, I find it remarkable that He consistently identifies Himself as “Father.” I appreciate how F.F. Bruce expressed this truth in his contribution to The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology: “God is the archetypal Father; all other fatherhood is a more or less imperfect copy of his perfect fatherhood.” While I am certainly not attempting to provide an exhaustive description of God’s nature, consider for a moment who He is. Our Father is loving (1 John 4:8), kind (Luke 6:35), merciful (Luke 6:36), present (Psalm 46:1), and just (Deuteronomy 32:4). Our Father provides for us (Matthew 7:11). Our Father guides us in the right direction (Psalm 23:2). Our Father disciplines us for our good (Hebrews 12:10). Our Father teaches us His way (Psalm 25:9). Thank you for all the ways you seek to imitate Him.
Fathers, it may be the case that you do not hear this often enough. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for who you are and for all that you do for your family and for God’s family. You are very appreciated!
Tyler Alverson
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