For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “ Abba , Father! ”
-Romans 8:15 HCSB

I was fortunate growing up with the family I had. Although I didn’t know it at the time, my parents were loving and nurturing and good examples whenever I had the brains to notice. My siblings were also alright, all things considered.

So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. -Luke 15:20 HCSB

Did each of us as children have issues? Naturally. Did our parents love us anyway? You bet, each of us very much and without question. As far as humans go, filled with human frailty and sin, they did a pretty decent job. Can everyone say that? Of course not. We were fortunate kids, but I [for one] didn’t know it at the time.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. -Psalms 103:13 HCSB

As Father’s Day is almost upon us, perhaps we can all take some time to reflect not only on our earthly father, but give special thought and honor to the One who cannot be out-loved: our Heavenly Father.

In remembering your Heavenly Father on a day largely set aside for earthly Dads, please take time to think about your own children, should you have them, from a Biblical perspective:

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. -Ephesians 6:4 KJV