Part 1
This weekend we celebrated Father’s Day. Physically speaking, each of us has a father who is part of our creation story in this world. Whether he did a fantastic job or whether he was totally absent, he is still our biological dad. For many men, Father’s Day is a worthy point of recognition and celebration, yet for others, it can be a time of challenge and pain. We read in the Bible that we all have a heavenly Father, and while our earthly father will get many things wrong in life, our heavenly Father is the one we can always lean into and depend upon regardless of what we are facing.
Read Ephesians 6:1-4, Psalm 23:4
Discuss
- How do you view the role of a father? How does society see this role today?
- Read Ephesian 6:1-4. What do these verses say to you? How does this apply in your experience?
- What does it mean to you personally to honour your mother and father? What can make this easy or a challenge for you?
- What is your daily strategy for developing your relationship with your heavenly Father? How can this be improved?
- What impact does your trust in your heavenly Father have in your earthly relationships as a father/mother/child?
- Read Psalm 23:4. How do you negotiate the tension between care and discipline as a parent? (Or) How have you experienced this as a child? Discuss.
Respond
God is constantly calling us up and on in our relationships and attitudes, both with Him and with each other. They are never stagnant. Which relationships or attitudes is God working on with you at the moment? Are you prepared to engage with Him towards growth and healing? Spend time quietly seeking God and allow Him to highlight a potential growth area for you in a relationship or attitude that you have.