"Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose." —Psalm 25:12, ESV
See what the Bible says about fatherhood—and be encouraged by these words from Billy Graham who had five children of his own.
1. You can be a good father.
Even if your dad wasn’t a good example or wasn’t in the picture at all, you don’t have to fear fatherhood. You have a Heavenly Father who will never fail you.
Read Billy Graham’s Answer: Why you shouldn’t fear fatherhood.
2. God wants you to honor your father.
It might not be easy, but it is a mandate from God. The Bible says, “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16, ESV).
Read Billy Graham’s Answer: What does it mean to honor your father?
3. Time is precious.
Harboring resentment doesn’t glorify God or serve in your best interest. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow, so make the most of the time you have today. Consider James 4:14 (ESV), which says, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
Read Billy Graham’s Answer: Take the opportunity to reconnect with your father.
4. We should be patient and loving.
Find your strength and peace in God. Billy Graham said, “Only Christ can meet the deepest needs of our world and our hearts. Christ alone can bring lasting peace.”
Read Billy Graham’s Answer: Persevere in Christ as a single dad.
Read Billy Graham’s Answer: Pray for your unloving father.
5. Prayer is powerful.
Pray for your family, your children, and your children’s children (even if they aren’t here yet). Billy Graham says prayer is powerful and a great privilege for those who trust in the Lord.
Read Billy Graham’s Answer: If you don’t pray for your children, who will?