For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NIV
Like a Father
Canada’s Fathers of Confederation are the 36 men who represented British North American colonies at one or more of the conferences—Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (September 1864), Quebec (October 1864), and London (1866–67)—that led to the creation of the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. Although Sir John A. Macdonald is commonly viewed as the chief architect of Confederation, academics, journalists, and heritage bodies have argued for the prominence of other figures such as George Brown and Sir George-Étienne Cartier.
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Fathers play a vital role in the lives of their children. We are called to relate to them with both deep love and godly guidance. That isn’t always easy and it demands consistency and wisdom. Not every father does this well, but those that do stand as an example to others. The apostle Paul uses the relationship between a father and his children to speak to his relationship with the believers in Thessalonica. In 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, he writes, “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” Just as a good father walks alongside his children, so God walks alongside us, guiding us to love Him, walk with Him and reflect Him in all we do and say. He urges us forward, not with guilt, but with hope. He comforts us when we stumble and encourages us when we grow weary. Like a loving Father, He sees not only where we are, but who we are becoming.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley