The Measure of a Father

As we approach Father’s Day, we pause to honor the men who stand in the gap — the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and sons who carry the weight of love with broad shoulders and steady hearts. We also lift our eyes to the One who fathers us all, the Lord our God, whose compassion, correction, and constancy define the very heart of fatherhood.

Mikal Johnson

To be a father is more than biology — it is a sacred vocation. It is long hours and silent prayers. It is strength cloaked in gentleness, discipline wrapped in grace. As Proverbs tells us, “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him” (23:24). But joy doesn’t come cheap — it’s bought with sweat, sacrifice, and the stubborn choice to love daily.

The Bible doesn’t romanticize fatherhood. It shows us men like David, who faltered; Abraham, who waited in faith; and the prodigal’s father, who ran to his wayward son with open arms. It tells fathers, “Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). And it reminds children to “listen to your father, who gave you life” (Proverbs 23:22).

True fatherhood plants seeds of wisdom, waters them with patience, and watches—sometimes through tears—as they bloom in due season. God says, “I will guide you in the way of wisdom … when you walk, your steps will not be hampered” (Proverbs 4:11-12). In this, every earthly father who strives in love echoes the eternal Father who “carried you, as a father carries his son” (Deuteronomy 1:31).

So let this Father’s Day be more than a holiday — it is a holy reminder to cherish those who father well, forgive where there’s been failure, and thank the God who runs to meet us even while we are still far off (Luke 15:20).

In His Name, Mikal