A father who provides

Inspirational Insights with Pastor Theo Snyman

SOUTH Africa has several public holidays commemorating certain people and events of yesteryear.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are occasions when children are encouraged to give special tribute to their parents.

The first commandment with a promise is “honour your father and mother – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2, 3). This honour should be given not only on special days, but every day of the year.

Seldom do children appreciate the awesome responsibility of parenting until they become a parent themselves. In the past most of parenting was by “trial and error,” but young parents today have “Google” as their guideline!

The Bible has much to say about the relationship between parents and children. This should be mutually respectful, loving and kind. No one is perfect, and we all make mistakes, so forgiveness is often required. It is tragic when family members cannot reconcile!

Those who are “in Christ” have been reconciled to God and now have the privilege of calling Him Father. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalms 103:13, 14).

With all the limitations of humanity, parents have endeavoured to provide for the needs of their children. Our Heavenly Father has no limitations, and is therefore able to provide for our every need.

It is correct to honour your parents, but to honour God is essential. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).

Quotations from New International Version