Up till now, many believers do not understand the love God has for them. This is because God is seen as Father in scripture. Father in scripture does not mean a male parent. In the original Greek and Hebrew texts, it stands for source. To complicate Fatherhood, many earthly fathers have damages the lives of their children, wrecked the homes with infidelity and have set the course of nuclear family in a downward spiral. However, these are not the cases I am describing today.
In this context, we look at fathers who through an exemplary life of diligence and patience have built their homes in line with God’s word. These men have become strong male role model for both young boys and girls. Comparing their love model with the mothers, the differences are glaring. First, the fathers will show you by their actions. Daddy works hard in his job or business and this naturally inculcates an attitude of discipline and hard work in the child. Fathers will allow the child to “do”, make mistakes and even get injured. He will strive to provide for his offspring. In all these, we can see the quietness of the love. It is not loud or “out there” like the mothers and this has negatively affected father-children relationships.
This variance filters into their relationship with God. If a child has a good relationship with his Father, it will be relatively easier to develop a relationship with God. Nonetheless, the Bible in Luke 11:13 said “if ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” With this scripture, we can see that no matter how “good” or “bad” you think you earthly Father is, God says their model is evil when placed side by side with what He has in store for you.
In Matthew 19:17 when the Pharisees called Jesus good, He responded by saying, “there is none good but God”. There is a level of “goodness” that can only be seen in God. Yes, our earthly parents may have messed us up but God still has enough goodness to shower upon you.
The love of God is great. Little wonder when we close fellowship, we remind ourselves – “Now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God…” What did the early church fathers know about His love that it was made in to the chant for the close of all services? His love is patient. 2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. His love is forgiving. Psalm 103:5 – Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases. His love is companionate and endures long.
Seeing that God loves us beyond what we know, let us come boldly to meet him. Some may say “I am not worthy” Hebrews 4:15 – For we have not an High priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. God knows and understands how it feels to be human that it why He encourages us in Hebrews 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. God is your Father, He loves you and He is waiting for you to come to Him.
Life, Love, and Life
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Tuesdays with Morrie