Reflecting Christ in FatherhoodExemple

Intentional communication is a key facet of Christian fatherhood: Addressing fathers directly, Paul said we must never “stir up anger in” our children, but, instead, “bring them up in training and instruction of the Lord”(Eph 6:4). Paul also beautifully illustrated this concept in his own ministry. He reminded the Thessalonians that he ministered among them “like a father with his own children”; he “encouraged, comforted, and implored” each of them to “walk worthy of God” (1 Th 2:11-12). Fathers must do the same for their children. This means that as Christian fathers we should rear each of our children individually. All of us as human beings have unique personalities, and we need individualized attention according to our natural bent. This, I believe, is what Proverbs 22:6 means: “Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it."