Here in America, today is Father’s Day. Many will pause to honor their father with gifts, time, words of honor, or a phone call. For some, it is a joyous occasion to celebrate the man responsible for bringing us into life. For others, it is a difficult day. You may have lost your father, or your relationship with him isn’t what it should be. Perhaps your father was harsh or abusive in some way, making it seemingly impossible to honor him.

Our perspective of God the Father is often shaped by our relationship with our earthly father, which makes that relationship arguably the most important of all human relationships. But today, whether you enjoy a fantastic relationship with your father or not, you can rejoice that your Heavenly Father is perfect in all ways, and He is a good Father. Here are some of His promises to you:

• He will never leave you or abandon you. Hebrews 13:5
• God has reserved a place for you at His table. Ephesians 2:6
• He will give you strength when you’re weak. Isaiah 40:29
• The Lord will love you always. Psalm 118:1
• God will protect you. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
• He will help you keep going. Psalm 54:4
• The Lord will comfort you in hard times. Psalm 23:4 
• He will give you everlasting life. John 6:40

Indeed, He is a loving Father. Some of our earthly father’s mirrored those characteristics, but some did not. Consider the love of your Heavenly Father apart from that of your earthly one.

If you are the one who has distanced yourself from your earthly father, it may be time to mend past hurts. God’s Word commands us to honor our father and mother that our days may be long, and that it may be well with us in the land which the Lord your God is giving us. (Deuteronomy 5:16) It is a command with a promise!

So today, honor God the Father by being obedient to honor your earthly father. Here are some ideas:

• Give your father a hug and a heartfelt thank you. 
• Overlook your differences. Extend him grace and understanding.
• Make a call or a visit.
• Surprise your Dad with his favorite chocolate cake. 
• Send a Father’s Day card telling your Dad that you love him.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!