Like a Godly Father

Thursday - December 2nd

Scripture to Read Today: 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12

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We dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Someone once said, "The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice." How a father talks to his children shapes how they view God, the world, and themselves. The words we as dads use mold how our sons and daughters view themselves in life. A father's voice in the life of His kids means so much to the development of those children.

As parents, grandparents, and others who influence kids, understanding the power of our words and the tone with which we communicate them determines so much. Even words of correction spoken in love can build a healthy inner self in the heart of a child. Likewise, an uplifting, challenging, and coaching voice allows boys and girls to grow into well-adjusted citizens of this world.

The Apostle Paul describes ministry to others in terms like "encouraging," "comforting," and "urging" others "to live lives worthy of God." Just as a father nurtures the lives of His children, so should we be nurturing the spiritual lives and well-being of other Christians.

Consider first the next generation of young people that are in your sphere of influence. Do they sense from you the encouraging, comforting, and urging that Paul talks about? How about your children and your grandchildren? How about nieces and nephews? Maybe you influence the lives of the children of friends or neighbors. Do you speak into their lives with the same intentionality as Paul?

Then, consider fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. As you speak into their lives for Him, would they say you encourage, comfort, or urge them to live lives worthy of God? We all need the kind of voice articulated by the Apostle speaking into our lives. God even wants to use us to be that voice in the lives of others.

We need to receive and share words of encouragement, comfort, and spiritual challenge within the Body of Christ!