God as Our Father

Some of us have been blessed with a great earthly father who has loved and cared for us well. But for others, their father has either been absent, negligent, or sadly, even abusive. And for those of you who have a history involving a less than loving father, I am sorry. I understand if it makes it difficult for you to relate to the idea of God as our Father. But the good news that I have for you is not just that God is a good Father. God is the perfect Father.

God is a loving Father who disciplines us perfectly. He created us, but we decided that we’d rather go our own way, as if we knew better than God. But just as earthly parents have more experience with the world and a better perspective about what is right or wrong than their children do, God has the clearest perspective regarding what is for our good. Hebrews 12:5–6 says, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews 12:10–1 goes on to say, “But he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Our heavenly Father disciplines us perfectly for our own good.

We Went Astray

Also, in His great love for us, He didn’t disown us. We went astray but He made a way for us to be made right with Him through Jesus Christ. In Christ, we are the children of God. Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, God is waiting to welcome us back. Everyone who accepts Jesus’ sacrifice on their behalf and runs back to the Father will be welcomed and embraced. They will be celebrated!

As His Children

Finally, as children of God, we are co-heirs with Christ. “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” Romans 8:16–17.

Friends, God is not just a good Father. He is a perfect Father. One who disciplines us in love and provides a way for us to be justified to Him. A Father who offers mercy, grace, and compassion. Who welcomes us back with open arms in the spirit of adoption. A Father who offers us a spiritual inheritance that we did not deserve. See how much God loves us? So much that He calls us His children.

Used with permission from Nat Crawford, Back to the Bible. Originally published in GOtandem, Jan 7, 2024,