God presents himself as a father in the Bible. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus makes more than 150 references to God as a father. God the Father wants to have a close, “father-child” relationship with us. We are children in God’s eyes and enjoy the special connection and love only a father and his children can enjoy. “The beginning of the Lord’s prayer (Our Father in heaven) teaches us to draw near to God with completely holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father who is able and ready to help us.
Psalm 103:13 (NLT) “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”
1 Corinthians 8:6 (NLT) “But for us, There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.”
Malachi 2:10 (NASB) “Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?”
Isaiah 64:8 (NLT) “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.”
Your Father’s patience and kindness never runs out. – Psalm 103:17 (NLT) “But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children”
God the Father is always approachable. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
God your father has the very best in mind for you. – Matthew 7:11 (NLT) “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
God the Father loves you enough to discipline you. Proverbs 3:11-12 (NLT) “My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”
God the Father knows you intimately. Psalm 139:1-3 (NLT) “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.”
It is astounding that God wants us to call Him “Father.” The implications are staggering. Having God as our Father means that He is a living, personal being, and not an impersonal force. It means we can get to know Him. It means we can talk to Him and interact with Him. It means we can relate to Him on a personal and even an intimate basis. I might not know how to relate to an Almighty One, a Most High, or the Great I Am, because I have not met anybody like that. I have no earthly frame of reference to do so. But relating to a father? That’s different.” – Mary Kassian