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The Father the World Still Needs This Fathers Day

The Father the World Still Needs This Fathers Day

Last updated on: June 16, 2026 at 10:26 am by Michele Gunn

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The Father the World Still Needs This Fathers Day 2026-06-16T10:26:50-05:00 Michele Gunn

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The Father the World Still Needs

The Father the World Still Needs/created in Canva

Father’s Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June every year. This Father’s Day celebration in the United States is used as a time to thank fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and other male role models for their love, guidance and support. As the world redefines the roles of men and women along with motherhood and fatherhood, let’s examine God’s example for fathers of the father the world still needs. Psalm 103:13 provides such an example, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.”

The Meaning of Fatherhood

Despite what many people may say or think, there is no role the same as a father’s role. Fatherhood helps shape the identity and security of a person. Fathers provide strength that most often other roles do not. The main difference between mothers and fathers is that “Moms tend to see the rest of the world in relation to their children. Fathers tend to see their children in relation to the rest of the world.” Based on that theory, it may be easier for mothers to see who God created their children to be.

On the other hand, fathers may just be the ones to help their children apply their God-given identity to the world. These are distinct roles and both are needed. When you look at the world through these lenses, you know that the world desperately needs godly fathers. We need fathers who will raise their children to act with humility, kindness and caring towards others.

That said, not every child (adult or otherwise) has a father who is active in their life. This can bring pain around Father’s Day while other people are displaying gratitude. Even when a father is present, the relationship might not be the most ideal, and in some cases, it may do more harm than good. This can go both ways. Not every father’s story is easy. Some fathers are left out or even forced out of their child’s life, causing hurt, anger and grief for everyone.

God as the Perfect Father

Obviously, God is our example of the perfect father. God demonstrates love, patience, mercy, protection, correction and presence. Earthly fathers are called to reflect God’s heart. Matthew 7:11 directs fathers, “If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.” Children are fruit to be cherished, cultivated and encouraged. The Bible provides many examples of this. A well-known and shared example is that of thief the parable of the lost son.

The Parable of the Lost Son.

Luke 15:11–32, “Then he said, “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.

And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.

He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’

Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”

Presence Matters More Than Perfection

However, Fathers often feel pressure to “have it all together.” They feel they need to be tough, many times the disciplinarian, and not vulnerable. As a result, they often hide their vulnerability and lack showing love. They are often busy being the provider and lack presence in the lives of their children.

However, children tend to remember the time spent with them. As a result of fathers focusing on being a provider, children remember the abandonment felt instead of the provision given. Encouragement or lack of encouragement is also felt and remembered along with the feeling of being safe and having consistency in their life. The theme here is presence, not material things. Fathers are also called to provide spiritual leadership through everyday living. They need to be an example of loving God, which is consequently, the greatest example of love.

Specifically, follow Deuteronomy 6:5–7, “Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength. Take to heart these words which I command you today. Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up”

Healing Father Wounds

Not one of us is perfect and that is ok. We were not created to be perfect. In spite of that knowledge, some people do carry abandonment, loss, abuse or disappointment. First, know that you are not alone. Many people struggle with their relationship with their father as well as many fathers struggle with their relationships with their children. Second, know that God can restore what earthly fathers could not provide. Psalm 68:6-7 supports this, “Father of the fatherless, defender of widows—God in his holy abode, God gives a home to the forsaken, who leads prisoners out to prosperity, while rebels live in the desert.”

So, if you are one of the children that are in need of healing from father wounds, turn to God. Spend time reading the Bible. God is also inviting you to spend time with Him. Do it in prayer. Have a conversation with God. Take time to write down your thoughts. Listen for the words God gives you. Feel His presence. Know you are loved.

A Call to Faithful Fatherhood

To sum this up, fathers need to lead with humility, pray with their children, love intentionally and model faith authentically. You do not need to be a biological father to fill this role. You can be a step-father, an uncle, a grandfather, an adult friend of the family or just a male adult that can step in and provide much needed love and support in a fatherly way.

In conclusion, strong fathers help children learn identity, alignment and confidence. Are you that father or father figure? Can you fill this role for someone? Take time this Father’s Day to share this with your dad or father figure and tell him how he has made a difference in your life.

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What is the correct order for putting off the old self and putting on the new self as described in Colossians?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Rid yourself of anger, take off the old self, put to death earthly nature, put on the new self Put to death earthly nature, rid yourself of anger/rage/malice, take off the old self, put on the new self, clothe yourself with compassion Clothe yourself with compassion, put on the new self, put to death earthly nature, rid yourself of anger Put on the new self, put to death earthly nature, clothe yourself with compassion, rid yourself of anger