This weekend many will celebrate Father’s Day with gifts, meals, and meaningful moments. But
for others, this day stirs up pain and perhaps memories of a father who was or is absent,
abusive, indifferent, or maybe no longer alive.

If that’s you, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for feeling conflicted. Deep wounds left by
earthly fathers can make it hard to see God as a loving Father. But the truth is no matter what
your earthly father was like, God the Father is different.

In honor of Father’s Day, allow me to introduce you — maybe for the first time — to the Father
your heart needs:

1. God Loves You Deeply and Intimately
You were made in His image with the capacity to know and be known by Him. He knows the
number of hairs on your head and keeps track of every tear you shed. You can be vulnerable
with Him. You can bring Him every pain, and He won’t turn away.

2. God Longs to Heal the Deepest Parts of You
He sees the wounds, scars, rejections, and brokenness that no one else sees — and He cares.
When God touches those hidden places, they don’t stay the same. His touch brings healing,
wholeness, and blessing. Will you open your heart to Him today?

3. God Welcomes You with Open Arms
In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of the prodigal son. After demanding his inheritance and
wasting it on reckless living, the son hits rock bottom. When he finally returns home, hoping
just to be accepted as a mere servant in his father’s household, the father runs to him with
arms open wide. No anger. No shame. Just a loving embrace. That’s the same way God
welcomes you. When you place your faith in Jesus, you are fully accepted — your past, sin,
guilt, and all. Nothing can separate you from His love.

4. God Never Says “I Told You So”
The prodigal’s father didn’t scold, shame, or say, “I warned you” but rather he celebrates his
son’s return. Likewise, when we come to God through Jesus, He doesn’t condemn us. While
there may be natural consequences for our actions, God never holds past mistakes against us.

5. God Hears When You Pray
The Psalms are filled with reminders that God listens. If you’ve ever wondered whether your
prayers matter, they absolutely do. He hears. He cares. And He responds in His perfect timing
and way.

6. God Gives Good Gifts
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more
will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” —Matthew 7:11

God is generous and kind. He gives not out of obligation but out of love. His gifts are always for
our good.

7. God Desires to Be Close to You
If God feels far away, ask yourself: what might be creating that distance? His heart is to draw
near. He promises never to leave or forsake us. He invites us with open arms and says, “Come
to Me.”

This Father’s Day, whether you’re celebrating joyfully or grieving silently, remember
that you have a heavenly Father who is everything you’ve ever needed — and more. He is
loving, compassionate, faithful, and always near.

Open your heart to Him today. He’s already opened His arms to you on the cross, offering love,
forgiveness, and a forever welcome.

Fellowship with Us!