On Father’s Day my attention turns first to God the Father, from whom all human fathers derive their standing and honor. Many believers relate well to Jesus, and pursue the Holy Spirit with his fruit and gifts. Yet, God the Father seems to be a mystery to them.
Believers know Jesus as loving and compassionate but, aren’t too sure about the Father. Jesus plainly says “I and the Father are one,” and “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.
John 3:16 begins “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son…” Our attention can easily be drawn to Jesus and miss the truth that it’s the Father’s love for us that sends Jesus.
I believe it to be helpful for us to consider what God the Father says about himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7; “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, Maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin…”
Jesus told his disciples, “…The Father himself loves you because you have loved me…” John 16:27
The Love of the Father is a great truth for all people to ponder, especially believers. Here Jesus is revealing his purpose for all believers, which is a very personal relationship with the Father. Jesus tells his disciples that the Father loves them as much as he does. Think of this truth; the Father loves all His sons and daughters as much as He loves Christ.
You are greatly loved by God the Father and He has always desired to make you His dwelling place. Consider John 14:23 – “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
Many people have difficulty seeing Jesus and the Father in the same way. This is why Jesus said, “When you see me you see the Father,” and “I and the Father are one,” he was saying this to clear up all misconceptions and misunderstandings about the relationships.
God the Father hasn’t changed; He loves you as much as he did Moses and equally as much as he loves Christ. Turn the above passage into your own prayer of thanksgiving to the Father for his great love for you. Ask God the Father to reveal himself to you.
Continue asking to be deeply rooted and established in His love, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ truly is.
I thought much about the infinite goodness of God while conversing with Him in the morning. How comforting and encouraging it is to know we have a perfect all powerful Heavenly Father who loves us extravagantly.
As you come to know this love that surpasses all knowledge, you will begin to experience the fullness of “God the Father” …you will experience His love and compassion for you, And you will Be Encouraged. -JSP
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