Mark 11:25

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

Men, when you hear a Father’s Day message, two choices arise. Some men choose to look forward with hope and optimism to the fathers that they aspire to be. Others look back at the childhoods that they experienced, at the fathers that they had, and they are filled with regret or anger.

Not everyone had a great example, but that does not mean that you cannot be one. We have a Heavenly Father Who is an unsurpassed example of how to parent well. He loves lavishly (Ephesians 3:17-19). He will never abandon His children (Matthew 28:20). His Word is true; if He said it, He will do it (Numbers 23:19). He is patient (2 Peter 3:9).

If you did not have the father that you longed for, forgive him. For those of us in Christ Jesus, we are new creations. When we came to the cross, God forgave us. All of the old things passed away, and everything has become brand new (II Corinthians 5:17). We no longer carry the sins, the regrets, the guilt, the shame or condemnation from our past. You are free to become the man and the father that God has planned.

Decide to stop looking back. Teach your children that forgiveness is the key that unlocks doors and builds bridges. A grudge is too heavy a burden to bear. If forgiveness seems impossible, realize that you are not left on your own. Lean on the Lord Who will empower you through His Spirit and lead you out of the shadows of the past and into His glorious light. If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed (John 8:36).

Through the example of a Heavenly Father Who loves you deeply, and through the power of His might, you can become the father He intended you to be regardless of what your yesterday held. Choose to move forward. God has filled up your today with blessings. Tomorrow waits — filled with life, hope, and every good thing (Jeremiah 29:11)!

Blessing:

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me what a good, good father looks like. I confess that I lack the power and the wisdom to be all I should be. In my weakness, be strong. Teach me how to forgive the offenses of my past. Make me strong in the power of Your might. In the name of Jesus… Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading:

Old Testament

1 Kings 15:25-17:24

New Testament

Acts 10:24-28

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 134:1-3

Proverbs 17:9-11

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