- We are all impacted by our parents. Their actions, their example and their love.
- Since they are imperfect (like us), we are wounded.
- These wounds leave us unsure about ourselves and afraid that we will be exposed as less then what we appear to be.
- They are a lie, that says we are unworthy or not valuable.
- Like any lie or half truth, it can cause us to respond incorrectly.
- Even Jesus needed to hear words of affirmation from his father.
God's ResponseYou are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. - Luke 3:22
Galatians 4:4-7
"But when the fullness of time had come. God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." (ESV)
Joshua 1:9
"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where you go."
Psalm 139:7-10
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Proverbs 3:11-12
”My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (NIV)
Hebrews 12:7
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"
Proverbs 17:6
“The glory of children is their father” (NKJV)
Study Questions
- What words or thoughts strike you in the verses above?
- How has God affirmed you in a way your father didn't or couldn't?
- What implications does this have on us, as fathers?
- How can we pray for you as a father? For your son or daughter?
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