7 Lessons about God’s Love We Learn from Fathers

“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15

Two of my grown sons are fathers, and I love seeing the compassion in their eyes as they parent their children with patience and understanding. Love guides them, and I’m blessed to witness their compassionate interactions with my grandchildren.

Despite what some people believe about God—that He is angry and wrathful— we know He is slow to anger and full of grace. As 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

His compassion runs deep, and His faithfulness abounds to all generations. He is the One we turn to for comfort in our trials. Like our earthly dads who receive us with open arms, we can run to Abba Father and find compassion in our struggles.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

“Lord, thank You for comforting us with compassionate love and grace.”

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’” Jeremiah 31:3

Just as a father draws his child close, wiping tears from their eyes and soothing their pain, our Abba Father shows His love through tender mercies and acts of kindness.

Despite what some might think, God’s love is always kind. Yes, He has a holy standard of righteousness to which we are accountable, but it is because of His lovingkindness that we desire to please Him.

When dads are patient and kind while still maintaining a godly standard, children are more likely to respect them and want to obey. What a beautiful lesson of God’s everlasting love and unfailing kindness.

“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

“Lord, thank You for Your unfailing kindness that draws us close to Your heart.”

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

One of the most comforting aspects of God’s love is protection. Not only is He with us, but He stands guard over us as a Mighty Warrior ready to save us. The Lord is strong on our behalf, giving us every reason to rejoice and trust in His protective love.

Many dads have fought for our country and the freedoms we now enjoy. They are protectors, defenders, and warriors who display great courage. In the name of Jesus, let’s pray for a mighty covering over our fathers who are bravely protecting our families. Their example is both honorable and praiseworthy.

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17)

“Lord, thank You for Your protective love, mighty to save!”

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“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5

I love hearing stories about fathers leaving a legacy of generosity. My dad is very generous, and I am grateful for his example. To have a giving heart is a precious gift indeed.

Not only do we serve a generous God who lavishly pours out grace after grace, but we also have His Spirit within us. Keep in mind this is the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. In Him, we lack absolutely nothing!

The well of God’s love never runs dry. It is available to us any time we need refreshment or restoration. Dip your cup into the well of Living Water and be filled today.

“Lord, thank You for Your generosity and lavish love.”

“I have been crucified with Christ , and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

The most important lesson about God’s love is the ultimate sacrifice given through His Son. Rarely will a person give their life for someone else, but God gave His only Son to save all who would receive Him.

Fathers who love sacrificially, even when it’s painful, are true heroes. They represent our perfect Father in Heaven, who gives everything for us. If your dad is sacrificial in his love, thank him for it today. Tell him how much you appreciate his tireless sacrifices for your family, and remind him how he demonstrates God’s great love.

“Lord, thank You for Your perfect sacrifice. There is no greater love on earth!”

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-6

The biblical definition of grace is “unmerited favor.” When fathers grant this kind of grace to their children, it is a powerful display of God’s love. Especially for the wayward son or daughter, a father’s mercy can be instrumental in leading them back to the Lord.

As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” What a grace-filled God we serve!

“Lord, thank You for being rich in mercy and saving us by grace through faith.”

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

When children are loved by their fathers—truly loved—they grow up to love in return. This is God’s pattern exemplified and a precious reminder that our only means of true love is through God’s love for us.

Though we cannot grasp the immensity of Christ’s love (how high, deep, or wide), we know that it far surpasses anything we are able to offer. Yet, because of Him, we are called to love others in the exemplary love He demonstrated on the cross.

Praise the Lord for dads whose love is exemplary—for the fathers who go above and beyond. Because of their faithfulness, we see God’s love in the world today. Take a moment to thank God for the valuable lessons you’ve learned from your father or father figure.

“Lord, thank You for earthly fathers who display Your love in powerful ways. Bless them as they continue in Your ways.”