Attributes of God to Praise From A To Z: Loving Father
Updated: Jun 21
This 13th installment (half-way through already!) will discuss the loving father attribute of God. See the most recent article in the Attribute of God series entitled "The Attribute of God: Kind King."
The Loving Father
"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him" (Psalm 103:13, NIV).
The greatest love story was written close to 4,000 years ago when God sent his Son, Jesus, to Earth where he suffered and died on our account on the cross and rose again victorious over death. God's attribute of a loving father is displayed throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis and into Revelation. He is seen bestowing grace on mankind as well as issuing discipline in moments that call for rebuke. He is not limited in knowledge as human fathers are limited; He sees what is done in secret as well as the public. He searches the heart of man and there is not a single soul that can escape His glance.
Human fathers instill virtues in their children, maintaining a rod and staff relationship with their descendants. God's balance is not completely understood by humans, yet God's wisdom is to be sought after as it leads to eternal life. God does not merely shepherd those that follow Him, but instructs and molds His chosen, qualifying the called.
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"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31, NIV).
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:6, NIV).
The Role of the Father
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them" (John 14:21, NIV).
In a marriage, the father is the dominant head in the marriage, being under God's rule. When this delicate balance is mishandled (such as the forfeit of this role to the female or abused) the effect can be lifelong, leaving its own set of scars. When a home is without a father, chaos ensues as there is no solid foundation for order. There are more than 19.7 million children living without a father in the home, according to the 2017 U.S. Census Bureau. This leads to a destructive path for the children who often will lead lives that result in prison time with ongoing behavioral problems or self-esteem issues. Living without a father or living with one that is abusive has its own set of remorses, the sin trickling down the lineage. The role of the father is to be one of strength and honor, sober-mindedness, and balance as this role crucially represents God. There is no partiality in God's virtues nor does favoritism have a place in His wake.
An imbalance of the role of the father often leads to family dynamics as seen with Esau and Jacob where one son was favored over the other, or with Absalom and Amnon the sons of David when order was not upheld in the home.
See the story of Esau and Jacob in Genesis 25:19-34 and the story of Absalom and Amon in 2 Samuel.
Bible Study Tools states,
"Children often look to the approval of their parents and may have had positive or negative experiences in doing this. Yet, when we believe and trust in Jesus, we can see and know God the Father (John 12:45). When glimpsing the love the Father has for the Son in this moment, we can learn about how he loves us because we are adopted into his family and co-heirs with Christ as believers (Romans 8:17)." Clemence, Ruth. "6 Powerful Verses to Remind Us of the Father's Love," Bible Study Tools article, a division of Salem Web Network. For the full article read it athttps://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/powerful-verses-to-remind-us-of-the-fathers-love.html
Closing Thoughts on the Loving Father attributes of God to praise from A-Z
The ultimate balance is seen with the Trinity, how the love of the Father for the Son brings union with the Holy Spirit. Much the same, God calls fathers to instill this balance in their households so his wife and children will honor the Lord. When this role is forfeited or used in selfish gain, the house will not stand.
For similar articles, see the below publications.
Attributes of God: Letter C
Stripping Freedom
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
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