Thought For Today: The Role of a Father

In his letter to the Colossian church, Paul said,

“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21)

Paul tells us not to exasperate or provoke our children, which will lead to all sorts of problems later on. Instead we are told to turn our hearts towards them in love.

One of the responsibilities of John the Baptist was to “turn the hearts of the fathers to the children.” It comes from the prophet Malachi, and is reiterated by Luke in His gospel.

“And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:6)

I kind of think that a main reason this world, this nation, and the church are in the condition they are in is because men have not taken this to heart.