[357 words]
“Did you do your homework?” I’m very proud of you!” “Do you need anything?” “I love you.” “Can you hold this light for me?”
These are just a few of the words I can still hear my father saying to me. Although my father has been gone for 24 years, I can still hear and see him; my mind is never far from him.
I thank God I understand the love, kindness, care, and concern of an earthly father. I miss my father dearly and strive to be the father to my kids he was to me. I have tried to live a life that honors him and shows appreciation for all he has done for me.
Each year our nation sets aside an official day to honor and recognize our earthly father. As I grow older, I continue to remember my father, count it an honor to be my kids’ father, and to focus on pleasing my Heavenly Father!
God set the standard for being a father by showing love. First John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
God unselfishly sent His Son to function as the “propitiation” for our sins. This should motivate us to love God and to live a life of Christian obedience that is worthy of His approval.
God demonstrated love for man in many ways. God created the world (Genesis 1:1), He allows man to have freedom of choice (Genesis 2:15-17), and He made provisions for fallen man (Hebrews 5:8-9).
How does man show love for God in return? We should grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18), live a life that displays our allegiance to God, (Romans 12:1-2), and focus on the promise of Heaven if we remain obedient and faithful to the Scriptures (Revelation 2:10).
I miss hearing the words of my earthly father, but I want to live my life so one day, I can hear my Heavenly Father say, “…Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23).
Allen Jones
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY