Is it possible to care for a person with a father’s heart? Just out of college, many of my students looked older than I did, but I was their leader. Even though I was a teacher, a coach, and an administrator, in my early years, I don’t think I understood a father’s heart. Perhaps I was too young.
Now that I am a little older, I think I see with different eyes. As a coach, it is often tempting to view a young person as simply an athlete. Good coaches often help players improve in a game, but a father’s heart has higher concerns. Skill doesn’t matter quite as much… character does. Wins may not be quite as important… maturity is.
Of course, it sure helps being a father. For over sixteen years I’ve been a dad, and I think I’ve made about every mistake. How I need wisdom from above! But despite my weaknesses, I know my heart toward my children. I love them dearly, and I want what is best for them.
So if I am evil, and I still have such a heart toward my children, what about God? He has the ultimate Father’s heart, for He is the perfect Father. We present many requests to this invisible One, but do you know what He most wants to give? Himself! Oh to fathom the love He has for His children!
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!” I John 3:1
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:11-13