Characteristics a Godly Fatherhood

What it looks like to be a father changes throughout life. We can all look back and remember when our little one wouldn’t sleep through the night, or remember when they first said “dada.” Maybe you are reading this and are a grandfather, watching your son father his own little ones. No matter what stage of life we currently find ourselves in, we remember the stories of the past and look forward to the future stories that await. 


As time goes on we find ourselves in new seasons of fatherhood, with new things to learn as each season passes. No matter what season we find ourselves in, the Bible gives some key principles for fathers to live out. These principles help a godly father leave a lasting legacy. 



1. Fathers Love their Families.


Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,”


1 Peter 4:8 “ Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”


Loving your children is easy when they act like saints.  When they show you affection or listen to the rules of the house it’s easy to remember your love for them.  But what happens when things get difficult?  A Father’s love for their children should never change.  The Bible shows us that we get the opportunity to love each other because of Christ’s example of loving us.  To leave a lasting legacy as a godly father we must love our family.


2. Fathers Teach their Families.


Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Proverbs 1:8 “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, And do not ignore your mother’s teaching;”


Teaching your children is one of the funnest parts of Fatherhood.  You get to teach practical things like catching a baseball, catching a fish, or how to manage money.  You also get to impart life and character principles so that they know how to become an adult that will be able to leave a legacy of their own.  These simple principles jump off the pages of the Bible, giving us wise and trustworthy truths that help us navigate through life for the good of others and for God’s glory.


Reflection Questions:


  1. What legacy do I want to leave my children?

  2. What Biblical principles do I want to impart to my children?

  3. How can I love my family in light of Ephesians 5?