I was speaking to a group of inmates in Chino, California, and I asked them to indicate by a show of hands if they felt they’d had a good relationship with their earthly fathers. In that crowded chapel only three men raised their hands. Unfortunately, this same scenario could be repeated in prisons and jails across the United States and around the world. The need for a good father is great.
As God’s children, our first glimpse of our heavenly Father is through our earthly fathers. When a father is absent or when the relationship is strained, our view of God as a loving, trusted Father grows distorted. This distortion can lead us away from the most important relationship in our lives and instead bring fears and insecurities.
The work of the Spirit through the love letters of Scripture is calling us back to our loving Father through Jesus, His Son. No matter what the situation with our parents, we have the privilege of calling out to our “Abba Father” or “Daddy.” As His children we can always rest secure in His arms.