Some of us didn’t have a good or present father.
It’s hard being a dad.
Advice from the Apostle Paul on How to be a Good Dad.
5 Things our Sons & Daughters Need from Us:
2 Timothy 1:1-2
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1. To know we see them!
Paul wanted Timothy to know that he was in his heart.
Our kids need to know we see them for who they are, not for who we wish they were or want them to be!
Your kids are not a second chance to live your dreams through them.
God made them unique & one of the greatest gifts we can give them is to see them for who they are.
How are they wired?
What are they passionate about?
Be into what they are into.
2 Timothy 1:3
“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”
2. To know we are thankful for them & praying for them.
Paul wanted Timothy to know that he was Thankful for him & was praying for him.
Never underestimate the power of your kids knowing that you are thankful for them.
James 5:16
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Do whatever you have to do to pray for your kids everyday!!!
2 Timothy 2:4
“Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”
3. To know we desire to be with them.
There is nothing so powerful as a when a child knows their dad wants to be with them.
We have to get in our kids worlds to know about their Highs & Lows.
Great Questions:
What’s exciting?
What’s exhausting you right now?
Ask about their friends!
Keep reminding your kids that being with them brings you joy!
They are not a bother or trouble or a burden.
2 Timothy 1:5
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
4. To be reminded of the legacy of faith that is in them.
Our kids don’t need us to force feed faith to them, but they do need us to:
1) Lead them
2) Remind them
2 Timothy 1:6
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
5. To know we believe in their good future.
Speak life & belief over your kids!
Don’t put unrealistic expectations on your kids!
Reward effort & movement, not perfection!
Speak life & belief, not criticism!
Our kids (and people in general) need:
- To know we see them.
- To know we are thankful for them & praying for them.
- To know we desire to be with them.
- To be reminded of the legacy of faith that is in them.
- To know we believe in their good future.
Some specific things your heavenly Father wants you to know:
- He sees you.
- He is thankful for you & praying for you.
- He desires to be with you.
- He reminds you of the legacy of faith that is in you.
- He believes in your good future.