The heart of a father

Fathers are a gift from God! In a world today that statement will either make people shout amen or incite rage.

It is unfortunate that some have experienced a father who was a curse rather than a blessing.

Wounded fathers wound their children. There are many evil forces that have created wounded fathers.

Alcohol, drugs, immortality, insecurities and today's culture seeks to redefine what a father is and does.

There is hope for wounded fathers and families! In Malachi 4:5-6 (the last verses in the Old Testament) we read "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

We hear the heart of God the Father toward fathers and children. God promises reconciliation between fathers and their children in order to cancel the curse that had come upon the family.

For some fathers, they have to relearn what a "good father" is due to generational curses being transferred between generations.

This process of relearning begins the moment a wounded father turns to God the Father.

Jesus modeled this relationship.

He constantly referenced, taught and encouraged the crowd to identify with God as their perfect heavenly Father.

Jesus also told His disciples, “If you have seen Me you have also seen the Father through His actions and words!”

Thus we know exactly what our heavenly Father is like and what we should be like as a father!

Jesus modeled the Fathers generosity!

A good father is generous with everything he has and is. He is generous with his time and resources toward his children and family.

Jesus modeled the Fathers loving sacrifice.

A good father is willing to make whatever sacrifices necessary for his children and family.

Jesus modeled the Fathers unconditional love!

A good father loves his children and family without expecting anything in return. A good father loves his children regardless of their behavior!

Fathers are a gift from God and they deserve to be honored as such. Honor can go a long way in healing the rifts between fathers and children.

If you are a wounded father, there is hope and healing available through Jesus. If your father wounded you there is also hope and healing available.

It all starts with discovering the wonderful relationship God our Heavenly Father desires with each of us!

Come home to our perfect Heavenly Father!