“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 NASB

When we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, we are brought into the family of God. We are now joint heirs with Christ. The blessings that God promises throughout the #Bible are those of a loving Father who wants the best for us.

Jesus illustrates this throughout his teachings. He calls himself the Good Shepherd. He told his followers that as God provides so wonderfully for the flowers of the field and the birds of the air that we should be confident that he cares so much more for us.

He told them that if we, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more does God who is holy and righteous?

There are multiple purposes to family in God’s plan. One purpose is to give us a daily illustration of his love for us through the love of our earthly father. We cannot see him and the fullness of him is beyond our comprehension, but a good earthly father is a first step to getting to know our perfect Heavenly Father.

But what if you don’t have a good earthly father? What if your father was absent, either physically or mentally? What if your father was physically abusive or used harsh words to cut you down?

If this is the case, recognize that the filter through which you see your Heavenly Father may be distorted. You may have to overcome more barriers to receiving the love God has for you.

First, acknowledge whatever bitterness or resentment you have towards your father. Forgive him and ask God to forgive you for holding on to those feelings. Plead the blood of Jesus over the situation and commit it to God. Ask God to replace the feeling of condemnation and rejection with the spirit of adoption and love.