God’s Will for Your Family – Part 3: Rules for Fathers

<p class="p1">Being a good father does not come easy to <span class="s2">men. </span>Our sinful, selfish nature needs training and instruction, because by nature we can be impatient, angry, and even vengeful. We are called to imitate Christ in all things; this is what it means to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus. With this in mind, Paul tells us <span class="s3"><b>²¹</b></span><span class="s4">And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.</span> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. It’s interesting to note that Paul does not give the same instruction to mothers. As fathers exercise their authority and give leadership in their homes, they are to be mindful that their authority is to be used lovingly and gently, but firmly, just as God is loving and firm with each of us.</p>