Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

—Ephesians 6:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

It seems that many mothers have an inside track with their children because of the bonding that occurs in a child's earliest days and weeks of life with her, both in the womb as they hear her voice and feel her comfort, and after delivery, as she nurses and suckles her child. So, I find it interesting that God commands fathers to be about the work of spiritual nurture with their children, yet they are to do it without exasperating the child with overly harsh discipline. I don't believe Paul means to exclude mothers, but he emphasizes the importance of a strong, gentle guiding hand from a man who is not overly harsh, but still has expectations. No, I think Paul assumes most moms will do their part in training and instructing children. However, the father's influence and intentional training of each child are also essential for the child to know the father's love and see that both parents support the proper direction the child should take in behavior, faith, and life. Dads, we have the awesome opportunity to help our child know a father's love so they can come to know the love of our Father in heaven.

My Prayer...

Abba Father, may my children come to find your love in the way that I instruct, nurture, discipline, and train them. Thank you for providing your church family, which can offer support, love, nurture, and help when a child does not have the blessing of two loving and godly parents. No matter who is raising a child, we pray that they can lead them and love them in the way that points them to you, our Father. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.