Happy Fether's Day

What the Bible Says About Fathers

Fatherhood was one of the first responsibilities God gave men.

Fatherhood was one of the first jobs God gave men. Immediately after creating Adam and Eve, God commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28) One of His primary purposes for marriage was offspring who would fill the earth with God’s praise and glory. However, providing sperm for conception is merely the beginning of God’s expectations for fathers. The Bible provides many points of guidance on God’s expectation to be a good father.

Here are just a few verses that describe a father’s role:

Psalm 103:13 – As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
Ephesians 6:4 – Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Proverbs 20:7 – The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!
Colossians 3:21 – Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Proverbs 4:1-9 – Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. …
Proverbs 13:24 – Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
3 John 1:4 – I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Psalm 127:3-5 – Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Ten Characteristics of a Godly Father

A godly father knows God – It should be without stating, but many men want their children to have a relationship with God but do not have that relationship themselves. Children model what they see. So godly fatherhood begins within the heart of a man.
A godly father loves and honors his wife – it has been said that the best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother. Even if a man is divorced or single, he can still model respectful behavior towards his child’s mother. Children imitate what they see.
A godly father accepts responsibility for his children’s spiritual training – While providing financially for a family is an important responsibility for fathers (1 Timothy 5:8) it is not their only responsibility. A father must encourage Christian character in his children by his example as well as his words of instruction and the expectations of behavior he sets forth for and enforces with his children.
A godly father is continually aware of his influence – fathers may not realize it but everything they do is influencing their children. Words alone are not enough.
A godly father models selfless service – much of Jesus’ earthly life was given to serving others. As followers of Jesus, we are to imitate that service (Matthew 20:28). Godly fathers figure out ways to involve their children in acts of service.
A godly father is consistent – nothing confuses children more than inconsistency, either in discipline or example. A father that is loving one minute and angry the next creates insecurity in his children.
A godly father disciplines his children appropriately – discipline is a part of child-rearing and should not be ignored or solely delegated to the mother. Hebrews 12:9-10 reminds us that earthly fathers disciplined us for our own good and our heavenly Father does the same.
A godly father does not allow himself to be controlled by outside influences. Addictions such as alcohol or drugs often create a home environment marked by insecurity, fear, and depression. Fathers who display addictive behaviors often teach their children to do the same.
A godly father is a man under authority – Due to his sinful nature, a man will fight to be his own boss. However, Jesus demonstrated that He was a Man under the authority of his heavenly Father. He readily gave credit to God for His successes and submitted Himself fully to the will of God.
A godly father will lead – the world is in desperate need of men who will lead wisely. Leadership is not domination or control. A leader is one who goes first. He sets the pace for the family by practicing what he preaches. He is on the lookout for dangers and takes the initiative to protect his family from them. He is a man that his children can be proud of (Proverbs 17:6)

For a complete copy of the white paper, “Fathering Strong – The Real Epidemic Today” click here.

To learn more about the new Fathering Strong online community, click here.

Fathering Strong is an online community where you can connect and engage with other fathers. It is free to join and get involved. However, we need your support to get Fathering Strong off the ground and make it available to as many fathers as possible. Would you consider helping with this cause that will dramatically help families and communities? Are you looking for a way to help stop the ongoing issues in our communities? Fathering Strong addresses many of these needs. Please consider helping us today.

How can we describe a Father?

Ten Characteristics of a Godly Father

A godly father knows God – It should be without stating, but many men want their children to have a relationship with God but do not have that relationship themselves. Children model what they see. So godly fatherhood begins within the heart of a man.
A godly father loves and honors his wife – it has been said that the best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother. Even if a man is divorced or single, he can still model respectful behavior towards his child’s mother. Children imitate what they see.
A godly father accepts responsibility for his children’s spiritual training – While providing financially for a family is an important responsibility for fathers (1 Timothy 5:8) it is not their only responsibility. A father must encourage Christian character in his children by his example as well as his words of instruction and the expectations of behavior he sets forth for and enforces with his children.
A godly father is continually aware of his influence – fathers may not realize it but everything they do is influencing their children. Words alone are not enough.
A godly father models selfless service – much of Jesus’ earthly life was given to serving others. As followers of Jesus, we are to imitate that service (Matthew 20:28). Godly fathers figure out ways to involve their children in acts of service.
A godly father is consistent – nothing confuses children more than inconsistency, either in discipline or example. A father that is loving one minute and angry the next creates insecurity in his children.
A godly father disciplines his children appropriately – discipline is a part of child-rearing and should not be ignored or solely delegated to the mother. Hebrews 12:9-10 reminds us that earthly fathers disciplined us for our own good and our heavenly Father does the same.
A godly father does not allow himself to be controlled by outside influences. Addictions such as alcohol or drugs often create a home environment marked by insecurity, fear, and depression. Fathers who display addictive behaviors often teach their children to do the same.
A godly father is a man under authority – Due to his sinful nature, a man will fight to be his own boss. However, Jesus demonstrated that He was a Man under the authority of his heavenly Father. He readily gave credit to God for His successes and submitted Himself fully to the will of God.
A godly father will lead – the world is in desperate need of men who will lead wisely. Leadership is not domination or control. A leader is one who goes first. He sets the pace for the family by practicing what he preaches. He is on the lookout for dangers and takes the initiative to protect his family from them. He is a man that his children can be proud of (Proverbs 17:6)

For a complete copy of the white paper, “Fathering Strong – The Real Epidemic Today” click here.

To learn more about the new Fathering Strong online community, click here.

What is a Fether's role?

Fathers Day is an American holiday that is celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year to honor fathers and father figures in society. While this holiday may not have a direct religious significance, it can certainly be celebrated in an Orthodox Christian context as a way to acknowledge and appreciate the role of fathers in the family and in the Church. In this article, we will explore the importance of Fathers Day from an Orthodox Christian perspective and delve into the reasons why it should be celebrated.

1. The role of fathers in Orthodox Christian families

In Orthodox Christianity, the family is considered the foundation of society and the Church. Fathers are seen as the spiritual leaders and providers of the family, responsible for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of their children and wife. They are called to love and serve their families selflessly, just as Christ loved and served his Church. Fathers are also called to be the spiritual head of the household, leading their families in prayer, worship, and the practice of the faith.

Fathers play a crucial role in the upbringing and nurturing of their children, providing a strong foundation of love, discipline, and guidance. They are called to be role models of faith, integrity, and virtue, teaching their children to love and serve God and others. Fathers are also called to protect and defend their families from harm, both physical and spiritual, and to provide a safe and loving environment for their children to grow and thrive.

2. Fathers in the Orthodox Christian tradition

In the Orthodox Christian tradition, fatherhood is highly esteemed and revered. The Orthodox Church fathers, such as St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great, and St. Gregory of Nyssa, wrote extensively on the virtues of fatherhood and the duties of fathers towards their families. These saints emphasized the importance of fathers in the spiritual and moral formation of their children, highlighting the role of fathers as teachers, guides, and guardians of their families.

The Orthodox Church also celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph the Betrothed, the earthly father of Jesus Christ, on December 26. St. Joseph is considered a model of fatherhood and righteousness, who cared for and protected the Holy Family with love and devotion. He is honored as the guardian and protector of the infant Jesus, and as a faithful servant of God who obeyed His will without hesitation.

3. Fathers as co-creators with God

In Orthodox Christianity, fatherhood is seen as a participation in the creative work of God. Through their love and self-sacrifice, fathers cooperate with God in the procreation and upbringing of children, who are seen as gifts from God. Fathers are called to imitate the love, mercy, and compassion of God towards their children, nurturing and guiding them with patience and wisdom.

Just as God the Father loves and cares for His children, so too should earthly fathers love and care for their own children. Fathers are called to reflect the fatherly qualities of God, such as love, forgiveness, and protection, in their relationships with their families. They are called to embody the virtues of faith, hope, and charity, seeking the spiritual and physical well-being of their children with humility and grace.

4. Honoring fathers on Fathers Day

Fathers Day is an opportunity for Orthodox Christians to honor and celebrate the fathers in their lives, whether biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, godfathers, or father figures. It is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the love, sacrifices, and guidance that fathers provide to their families. Fathers Day is also a time to reflect on the virtues of fatherhood and the importance of fathers in the family and in society.

On Fathers Day, Orthodox Christians can show their love and appreciation for their fathers by spending quality time with them, giving them gifts or cards, and expressing words of gratitude and affirmation. Fathers Day can also be a time for families to pray together and attend church services, asking for God’s blessings and protection on their fathers and families. Additionally, Fathers Day can be an opportunity for fathers to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities as fathers, seeking to grow in virtue and holiness in their relationships with their families.

Finally, Fathers Day is a meaningful and significant holiday that can be celebrated in an Orthodox Christian context to honor and appreciate the role of fathers in the family and in the Church. Fathers play a vital and irreplaceable role in the upbringing and nurturing of their children, providing love, guidance, and protection in the image of God the Father. Fathers are called to reflect the fatherly qualities of God, such as love, mercy, and compassion, in their relationships with their families. Therefore, Fathers Day is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the fathers in our lives, to honor their sacrifices and virtues, and to seek God’s blessings on their roles as fathers. By celebrating Fathers Day in an Orthodox Christian context, we can reaffirm the importance of fatherhood and the sanctity of the family as a fundamental institution of society and the Church.

What does Fathers Day mean to you?