My Imperfect Family: The Perfect Dad for Imperfect Families
Pastor Kyle Veach
Growing up, we all had that one friend whose house was the epitome of fun. You know the place I'm talking about – the one with endless soda, video games, and minimal rules. It always seemed like the best place to be. But as we grew older, we realized that no family, no matter how perfect it seemed, was without its flaws. In this blog post based on Pastor Kyle’s Sunday morning message, we'll explore valuable insights from one of the most famous passages of the Bible: John 3:16. From this verse and others, we’ll discover the qualities that make up our perfect Father - a model for each of us to follow. Click the link above for the full message.
The Family You're Grafted Into
In our journey of faith, we often overlook the fact that the family we're grafted into is none other than God's family. Our heavenly Father treats His children with the utmost care and love. He is the perfect father, and understanding this truth is crucial for our spiritual growth.
John 3:16 – A Familiar Verse
One of the most famous verses in the Bible, John 3:16, speaks to the heart of God's love for us. In this passage, Jesus converses with Nicodemus, a respected Jewish religious leader who approaches Him in secret. Their dialogue delves into the concepts of rebirth, eternity, and the reason for Jesus' presence on Earth.
John 3:16 - “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus makes it clear that God sent His Son for His sons and daughters, emphasizing the divine desire for an eternal relationship with us. You are a part of a perfect family with the perfect Father, a truth we often underestimate.
God is Father
How we fill in the blank when it comes to describing God shapes our relationship with Him. In this context, the word we're looking for is "Father." God is the archetypal Father, and all earthly fatherhood is an imperfect reflection of His perfection.
Five Fatherly Characteristics of God: He is our _________
Provider: Philippians 4:19 reminds us that God meets all our needs.
Protector: Matthew 10:29-31 assures us that God values us more than sparrows and even knows the number of hairs on our heads.
Encourager: Psalms 10:17 tells us that God listens to our cries and understands our desires.
Comforter: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 speaks of God's comforting presence during times of trouble.
Disciplinarian: Hebrews 12:10 teaches us that God's discipline is ultimately for our good.
Remember, you'll always be considered a child of God, and there's a distinction between being child-like and child-ish.
God's Unconditional Love
Understanding the depth of God's love is essential. As the famous theologian Augustine said,
"God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us to love."
While we often seek the love of others, it's God's love that truly satisfies. His love is infinite and can never be overdone. It's a love that's vast, wide, raging, and inspiring. No matter what you've heard about Him, remember, He loves you! Not just because you are lovable, but because He is love.
Love is Not a License
Here's a crucial point to grasp: God's love for you doesn't grant you a license to live however you please. It's not a free pass to indulge in a lifestyle outside of His will. Abusing His love and taking advantage of it is a sign that one doesn't truly understand His love.
In contrast, a license, such as a driver's license, is earned through study, learning, and passing a test. It grants you certain privileges and opportunities. Although God's love is freely given, it's not a license to live contrary to His teachings. You are created in His image and created for a purpose!
God Sees You
Feeling unseen and unheard is a common human experience. But the reassuring truth is that God sees you, even in your moments of invisibility. He perceives your needs, including your greatest need: forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with Him.
God is a giver, and He provides what you truly need. In times of loneliness, confusion, or when you're feeling lost, remember that God sees you. He gave His best for you because He is generous and accepts you just as you are.
Acceptance is Not Agreement
God's acceptance of you is not synonymous with agreement. He accepts you fully, knowing your flaws, thoughts, and secrets. However, this acceptance doesn't mean He agrees with every decision or lifestyle choice you make. God sets the standard, and we must align ourselves with His will.
As a father, I can accept my children despite not agreeing with all their decisions. It's a vital distinction to understand in our relationship with our heavenly Father.
The Greatest Gift: Jesus
The most remarkable gift God has given us is His Son, Jesus. No matter where you are, what you've been through, or what you'll face, God sent Jesus to offer His life for you. The entire biblical narrative centers around Jesus, the Son of God, who left Heaven to become God in human form, living among us and ultimately dying for our sins.
God Forgives You
Forgiveness is at the core of God's love. It's essential to remember that forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or condoning actions. Instead, it signifies choosing the person over their actions. It's a value system, and forgiveness is an integral part of your identity as a forgiven child of God.
John 3:17-21 reinforces the idea that what you'll be judged for is your belief in God. This judgment hinges on whether you embrace God's light or remain in the darkness of unbelief.
In conclusion, understanding God as the perfect Father and recognizing His unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness can transform your relationship with Him. Click the link above for the full message, and explore these profound truths further.
Further Reading
Book: Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness: Being Christian in a Non-Christian World by Jack Hayford
Book: The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character by Jon Tyson
Book: Seeing God as a Perfect Father: and Seeing You as Loved, Pursued, and Secure by Louie Giglio
Other Links
Check out last week's message titled, "Parenting with Purpose" from Pastor Reed Sowell.
Discover more resources on our Parent Resources page.