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MESSAGE TO THE FATHERS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
1 John 2:12-14
Ephesians 6:1-4
 
“That it may be well with thee,
and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
 
MESSAGE TO THE FATHERS
 
The third group that the Apostle John addressed was the fathers. Their designation as fathers represented them as elders and leaders of the younger. They were an authority. The commandment “Honour thy father and thy mother” gives fathers that respectful position.
 
When Paul touched on the subject of fathers, he sounded a caution that parents were not to provoke their children to anger. Paul required parents to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The bottom line in this regard is mutual honour. This easily comes when all have given their lives to the Lord. This will include necessary obedience, this is how John expressed it: “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:4-6). Fathers have a duty to lead in this regard because they have known Him that is from the beginning. They have had more time and experience in the faith and were more grounded and mature. Thus, a father is the leader and he is to guide those of his household to follow the Lord’s direction. It is true that darkness is past and true light is now shining.
 
The value of brotherly love deserves repeated attention. In the family setting it is more important. Members of a family are to love another. This comes by keeping every commandment that relates to them. Fathers are to exercise leadership in this regard.
 
THOUGHT: Responsible fathers act with the fear of the Lord.
PRAYER: Lord, give us homes where respect and obedience reign.

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