A father's role is seen at its highest level in God the Father and His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Their eternal relationship of Being was one of love that is lavished upon all of God's spiritual children, born of Him through the work of the Holy Spirit and belief of the Truth. "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us," writes the apostle in 1 John 3:1 concerning the Father's love for His children. In His prayer to the Father, the Lord Jesus says, "Thou hast sent Me and hast love them, as Thou hast loved Me" (John 17:23). Surely, there can be no greater love!

This love of the Father is seen in action towards His children in its intrinsic concern and tender compassion. As the Psalmist writes, "Like as a father pitieth His children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him" (Psalm 103:13). Hence, a father's role is based upon and motivated by divine love. What an example for all earthly fathers!

Love must act for the well-being of its object. Every act of God the Father toward His children is for their good. The discipline so necessary is ministered in love, because "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth [or disciplines]" (Hebrews 12:6). This may take the form of correction, instruction or prevention, but in any case it is with the end in view that His children should be responsive and produce "the peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Hebrews 12:11).

The apostle Paul wrote as a father to the Thessalonians. They were his children in the faith. The gospel He brought to them caused them to turn "to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven (1 Thess. 1:9,10). In chapter 2, verses 11 and 12, he writes, "As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory."

He exhorted them. The word implies encouragement. It suggests the urging on of one in a race to continue stedfastly, keeping the goal in view. Nothing so helps one who is flagging in spirit as a word of encouragement. What better encouragement can be given than God's Word in Hebrews 12:2? Keep "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Children need this from their fathers.

He comforted them. Times of trial with disappointment and sorrow come in various forms and degrees. How imperative it is to be able to feel the need of children, enter into it and bring forth tender, soothing consolation. How needful that fathers are available to listen to hurting children and bring the comfort so needed (2 Corinthians 1:4).

He charged them. In other words, he set down the rules and principles of the Word of God to be followed. There must be no compromise with truth, that they might "walk worthy of God," who had called them "unto His kingdom and glory."

Abraham is a role model father. In Genesis 18:19 God says of him: "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him."

Eli, on the other hand, is an example of a father not to be followed. In 1 Samuel 3:13 his failure is revealed in not commanding his sons who "made themselves vile, and he restrained them not." Alas, Eli's life and that of his sons ended in tragic deaths brought to pass through God's judgment (1 Samuel 4:11,18).

A New Testament injunction to fathers needs fresh consideration and obedience: "Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

What blessings would come to children, to households and to the assemblies of God's people if the father's role set forth in Scripture would be followed!