We All Need a Dad Like This!
The Four P’s of Powerful Paternity
With Father's Day in our review mirror, we’re reflecting on a kind of dad who shows us exactly what love, grace, and protection look like.
For some, it’s a day of celebration; for others, a day of grief or reflection. Maybe your father was present and a good example of Christ. Maybe, he wasn’t around. Perhaps, you’re a dad doing your best every day. No matter where you fall, there is one Father who never fails: our Heavenly Father.
Scriptures Focus: Luke 15:11–32
In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story we often call “The Prodigal Son,” but the real focus isn’t just on the sons—it’s on the Father. This parable paints a beautiful picture of the kind of Father God is and what kind of fathers or parents we should aspire to be.
A Dad Who Permits Us to Feel the Pain of Bad Decisions (Luke 15:11–13)
The younger son asked for his inheritance early—essentially saying, “I want your stuff, not your presence.” But notice what the father does. He let him go. He didn’t try to control him. He allowed him to leave, knowing pain would follow. Just like a loving dad teaching his child to ride a bike, the father lets go—not because he doesn’t care, but because trueobedience must be chosen, not forced.
This is a picture of how God works with us. He permits us to make choices, even though we may face consequences. His love isn’t about hovering like a helicopter—it’s about giving us the freedom to choose and guiding us when we fall. The Father doesn’t prevent us from making mistakes, but He’s always there to help when we need it.
As parents, we should be willing to let our children make choices and guide them if we can. All the while praying for them. Being there for them when they're ready to get help.
God may allow us to walk away, but He never stops watching over us.
A Dad Who Practices Graciousness When We Mess Up (Luke 15:14–20a)
After hitting rock bottom, the son comes to his senses and decides to return home. He prepares a speech of repentance, but the moment he returns, the father doesn’t scold him. He doesn’t say, “I told you so.” Instead, he runs toward him, full of compassion. This is who God is. He’s not waiting to punish us; He’s eager to restore us.
The father in this story shows grace—not just forgiveness, but immediate restoration. And that’s exactly what God offers us. When we mess up, He doesn’t stand with arms crossed waiting to judge us; He runs to us with love and compassion.
The good news is that no matter how low you’ve fallen, God is ready to restore you. Because He’s been looking out for you. God's arms are wide open and waiting. We shouldn't let pride or shame keep us from returning to God. This should be a reminder to us not to wait for perfection before offering love—not just correction. Showing grace like the father in this story when it comes to our kids.
A Dad Who Provides Us With What We Need Most (Luke 15:20b–24)
When the son returns, the father doesn’t just forgive him—he restores him. He gives him a robe, a ring, and sandals thenhe throws his son a feast to celebrate. He didn’t hold back his love, even after all the son had done. His grace was immediate and abundant. God’s love is never based on our perfection. It's based on His unchanging character.
God desires us close. He doesn’t just tolerate us—He delights in us. Even when we mess up, He’s waiting to pour out His love and grace. We don’t have to be perfect for His love to be lavished on us. It’s all based on His grace, not our performance.
You always have a chance to come back home to God. No shame is too deep for God’s grace. Don’t believe the lie that you have to be perfect for God to love you. He loves you just as you are; the way he made you to be. As fathers and parents ourselves, we should be quick to show affection—not just correction. Your love should be generous and immediate just like we see from the father in this parable.
A Dad Who Protects Us From Unchecked Pride (Luke 15:25–32)
Later in the same story, the older brother reappears—the son who stayed but didn’t truly share the Father’s heart. His pride kept him from celebrating his brother’s return. He was close in proximity to his father but far from having a relationship with him. The father didn’t correct the older brother, when he got angry, by pointing out his facts—he gently shifted his focus, reminding him that love is grown, not earned.
Pride keeps us from seeing the fullness of God’s love. It tells us that we must “earn” our place in God’s family, but love is not about our performance—it’s about His grace. The Father’s heart is for both the wayward and the “well-behaved”.
Be careful not to miss out on joy because you’re too focused on judgment. Let go of your pride and celebrate His grace. Don’t let pride keep you from receiving the fullness of God’s love. Because His grace is for all.
As fathers and parents we see that we can love both types of children—the one who runs and the one who resents. They both need grace.
We All Need A Dad Like This…
This Father is the one we’ve always needed. He permits us to grow, practices grace when we mess up, provides restoration, and protects us from pride. Whether you identify with the younger son who ran or the older son who resented, know this:
The Father’s arms are always open. Not crossed in judgment—but wide with joy.
To Fathers: Reflect God’s heart. Be the example of grace and love your children need.
To the Fathered: Whether you had a great dad or no dad at all, you have a perfect Father in God as the best example.
To the Church: Let’s be a community that celebrates grace, not self-righteousness.
Come home. Come whole. Thank God we have A Dad Like This.