Happy Father’s Day to all the dads celebrating their special day with their families. It’s a day to stop and reflect on the role of the father and celebrate the dads in our lives. A father is many things to his family, primarily a provider- not only financially, but spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I’ve compiled a collection of spiritual Father’s Day messages, quotes and Bible verses to bless your favorite Dad on his special day.
For some, however, Father’s Day brings sadness- for a father who has passed away, or the pain of an emotionally/physically distant or abusive father. We can all, however, rejoice in our memories, men who stepped up to be father figures in our lives, and spiritual fathers who helped keep us on the right path.
Father’s Day Quotes
Billy Graham, a well-known evangelist and “Pastor to the Presidents”, was also a dad to five children! Here are two of his many quotes on fatherhood:
“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.”- Billy Graham
“The greatest tribute a boy can give to his father is to say, ‘When I grow up, I want to be just like my dad.’ It is a convicting responsibility for us fathers and grandfathers.”- Billy Graham.
“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”- Henry Ward Beecher
“It is much easier to become a father than to be one.”- Kent Nerburn.
“When you teach your son, you teach your son’s son.” -The Talmud, ancient Jewish book
“Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.” Anne Geddes.
“My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, ‘You’re tearing up the grass’; ‘We’re not raising grass,’ Dad would reply. ‘We’re raising boys.’”- Harmon Killebrew.
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” Jim Valvano
Father’s Day Bible Verses
The Word of God emphasizes the important role of fathers- spiritual leadership for their children.
This verse points out how to teach children to love and follow God by making Him a part of your everyday life experiences:
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Psalm 103:13
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”
3 John 1:4
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
King Solomon earned considerable respect for his wisdom. Here are a few of his thoughts on fathers:
Proverbs 14:26
“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”
A father’s love and faith can be a source of comfort and security for his family.
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s teaching.”
Proverbs 22:6
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.”
The Hebrew phrase “in the way he should go” literally means “according to the child’s way.” Parents are responsible for training their children in a way that complements their learning style, taking their strengths and weaknesses into account.
Solomon also uses the phrase “the way” meaning the path of wise teaching. A Godly father does the work of knowing and teaching each of their children according to their God-given personalities and individuality.
Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous who walks in [lives out] his integrity- blessed are his children after him.” Proverbs 20:7
Solomon describes a lifestyle where a father’s faith is lived out which in turn blesses the children.
Here are two verses concerning the topic of discipline:
Proverbs 13:24
“The one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
Hebrews 12:7
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?”
Here are two verses to encourage loving, patient relationships with your children:
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, don’t aggravate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying.”
The Father in the Prodigal Son
In this parable, Jesus Christ tells the story of a loving father whose steadfast love allows his eldest son’s act of rebellion and graciously grants the youngest son his own outrageous request.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20.
It’s a powerful story that symbolizes God’s unconditional love for us and shows the compassion, grace, and love every dad should aim for. (This is also a story that beautifully explains the gospel message!)
Fathers in the Bible
Take heart, Dads. Being a role model and a great dad is tough. As we saw from our Bible verses, you have a high standard to live up to.
But don’t worry- children don’t need perfect fathers, just ones that keep loving their children to the best of their ability and are open and honest when they fall short.
Let’s look at five Biblical fathers who also had big-time challenges.
Adam
He had no guidebook, no earthly father, no siblings or friends to give him good advice and show him how to be a real father. He is forever known for avoiding responsibility and teaming up with his wife to bring sin into the world. His firstborn son even murders his brother.
Noah
The entire world around him was wicked (and you thought today’s world was tough!) Imagine trying to be the best dad you can be in those times.
But Noah demonstrates faithfulness and obedience to God, even when he asks him to do the impossible and improbable!
Moses
He had 2 biological sons, Gershom and Eliezer, but not much is known about them. Moses was also delegated to be the father figure to the Israelites, and we know they were an unruly bunch of children to discipline and teach!
Joseph
The earthly father of Christ Jesus- betrothed to a woman who was pregnant with a child who wasn’t his. He was a godly man, however, and listened to God’s instructions.
He obediently raised Jesus and he must have done something right, as Luke 2:52 tells us, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
King David
A lowly shepherd, giant-killer, and the greatest king of Israel commits adultery with Bathsheba and decides it’s a good idea to have her husband murdered. He also does not discipline or deal with the sins of his many sons.
Yet, he is known as “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22); readily admitting his mistakes and confessing his sins. He offers genuine repentance, asking for forgiveness from God.
Characteristics of God as Father
No matter what kind of father you are, or what kind of father you had, we all share a sovereign and loving Heavenly Father. Father’s Day is the perfect day to honor Him, too.
The Bible tells us He is who gives us life, lavishes us with unwavering, eternal love, forgives us when we repent, never leaves our side, keeps all His promises, provides all we need, sent His Son to redeem us, and has prepared a place for us in eternity!
All the ways of becoming a good, spiritual father are rooted in God’s character. We know no dad is perfect, but the Bible gives us many encouraging lessons and instructions for being the best father you can be.
Have a blessed Father’s Day!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.