For Fathers: Encouraging Your Children

“Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring
each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you may walk in a
manner worthy of the God who calls you Into His own kingdom and glory” (1
Thessalonians 2:11-12).

It seems to be a given from the Scripture that fathers encourage
and comfort their children. It is part of common grace. However, in many cases
fathers are not doing that. Here is a quotation from George MacDonald:

“Like many Scots, while Phemy was his one joy, he seldom
showed her sign of affection , seldom made her feel, and never sought to make
her feel how he loved her.” Heather and Snow, George MacDonald

Unhappily, in thirty-two years of ministering to high school
and college-age people, I have found that the above description is an accurate
description of many father-child relationships. If you are a father, please do
not let it describe you.

Written April 1988.

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