God Is Like a Good Father

When Jesus talked about God, He didn’t use words like “Force” or “Energy” or even just “Judge.” He called God Father—and not in a distant, cold way. He meant it in the most tender, safe, and generous way possible.

That alone was shocking. But then He told stories that made it even clearer.

One time, He described a son who walked away from his family—burned everything, hit rock bottom, and finally decided to come home with his tail between his legs. What kind of welcome would you expect?

Punishment? Disappointment? Distance?

Here’s what Jesus said:

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion… He ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.”
(Luke 15:20 NIV)

That’s the heart of God, Jesus said. Not a cosmic scorekeeper. A running Father.

He also taught His friends to pray like this:

“Our Father in heaven…”

Not “Our boss.”
Not “Our distant power source.”
Our Father.

So think about this—or ask a friend:

• How does it change your view of God to hear Him described as a Father?
• What kind of father runs toward a failure?
• What would it mean to talk to God like a child who’s already loved?