It has been over 5 years since I lost my father. He was a God-fearing man who loved the Lord and showed me how to be a father by example. He was always there for me when I needed him. When I needed advice he was there. When I needed emotional support he was there. When I needed encouragement he was there.  He was there for me during the good times and the bad times. He was by no means perfect but he never stopped being a father to me until the day he died. The love he showed me and everything He taught me will stay with me forever.

There is a lot of debate about the role of a father in their child’s life. Are they supposed to be the provider? Are they supposed to be the disciplinarian? Should they be involved in the development of their child’s character? Are they supposed to be involved in nurturing the child or is that only the mother’s role? Should they be involved in every aspect of their child’s life? What exactly makes one a good father?

Let us take a look at some bible verses to see what the bible says about being a good father.

• Ephesians 6:4 -Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
• Proverbs 22:6 -Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
• Colossians 3:21 – Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
• Luke 11:11-12 – What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
• Psalm 103:13 – As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

From these verses, we see that God wants fathers to be involved in the spiritual development of their children. Fathers have to train their children in the ways of the Lord so that when they are older they will not depart from the Lord. Fathers are also called to be encouragers and not to provoke their children and making them angry. This means that fathers have to be very careful about what they say to their children and use their wisdom to guide their children in the best way they can. Jesus also talks about fathers being providers for their in Luke 11:11-12 by saying that when a child asks for something that is essential for them a good father will always give it to them if they are able to. The bible also says that fathers have to be compassionate to their children just like the Lord is compassionate to those who fear him.

If you are fortunate enough to have a father in your life that exhibits these qualities then just thank God for him. If you are a father trying to figure things out, just remember that God wants all fathers to be the spiritual head of their household and train their children in the ways of the Lord. God also wants all fathers to be compassionate, loving, and encouraging towards their children. A father that loves their children in the way that God loves us is leaving a mark on their child that will last forever.