What Makes A Good Dad?

What makes a good Dad?  

Search the internet and you will find all sorts of ideas about what makes a man a good Dad.  In my research for this post, I came across a lot of opinions and very few facts.  There is plenty of research that indicates that Fathers are crucial in the development of a child.   We know that thought is an irrefutable fact.  We know that Fatherlessness is first and foremost, the cause of the breakdown of a society.   

But what in the world makes an effective Father?

I have gone to the one true source to figure this one out…the Bible.

A GOOD DAD is…

1. He is  PRESENT.  (Psalm 127: 3-5) He gives his children his time and understands they are a blessing.

2. He is his children’s  SPIRITUAL LEADER. (Ephesians 5:23)  FREE PRAYER LIST

3. He PROVIDES financially and emotionally for his children’s needs. (1 Timothy 5:8)  I want to be careful with this one because our Western culture can confuse what the Bible expects as provision and what our American culture expects as provision.

4. He PROTECTS his children. (Nehemiah 4:13 &14)

5. He LOVES God.  (Deuteronomy 6:5)

6. He is his children’s TEACHER. (Proverbs 22:6)

7. He DOES NOT EXASPERATE his children. (Ephesians 6:4)

This list can be overwhelming as one reads through it!  Can’t it?

If you are a wife and are reading through the list, and see that your husband is not doing what he is required to do.  Please be patient with him.  God is so very patient with each one of us while we are learning to live our lives according to his standards.  This is a process that takes time. Encourage and help him.  That is your role.

If you are a Father and are reading this list please be patient with yourself.  Ask God to accomplish these qualities in you.  It is only He that can do this work in you!

YOUR TURN…

Fathering tips anyone?

Blessings,