How Does My Father Look at Me?

The Bible reveals God as our Father. We can learn much about how God works with us by looking at how physical parents work with their children.

Have you ever looked at your child and thought to yourself: “I wonder if this is the way God looks at me?”

The Bible reveals that human beings are made in the likeness and image of God (Genesis 1:26). When we are converted, we come into a special “Father-child” relationship with God (Romans 8:15). Just as parents provide an environment and opportunities to help their children grow, God is working with us as His children to help us grow.

This blog post will look at three things we share and experience as parents that can help us understand how God works with us as His children.

1. Nurturing and protecting

When a mom and dad first bring their baby home, their eyes are intently on that infant. My wife and I recently had our third son, and we are overwhelmed with the joys and stress that come with having a newborn.

We tend to hover over our baby to make sure he is always safe and sound. God took a similar approach to Israel: “I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them” (Hosea 11:3-4).

Like our other children, we will put our baby on his feet and teach him to walk and feed him until he is capable of feeding himself.

2. Tough decisions and trials

For my wife and me, every morning we have with our children is extra special. Our oldest has been through five surgeries. No matter what it is, no matter how many visits to the hospital, it doesn’t get easier.

Recently, he had his tonsils and adenoids taken out. He had what was called obstructive sleep apnea, which resulted in a 99-percent obstruction of his airway from his nose to his throat. Watching him fight through countless sinus infections and struggle to breathe in his sleep led us to make the tough decision to put him through surgery once again. Surgery is never easy, but we made the decision for his long-term benefit.

Likewise, God works with us for our long-term benefit. And that sometimes requires allowing us to go through hardships. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3).

3. Quality time

Quality time is so valuable to our children. Playing with them, taking them to sporting events, having dinner with them and tucking them in at night are just a few examples of how we can influence our children through spending as much time as possible with them to teach, encourage and build a strong relationship with them.

Quality time is also essential for our relationship with God. On God’s end, He promises He will always be there for His people (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). God will always be there for us—but it is necessary for us to maintain the relationship on our end. We do that through Bible study, prayer, fasting and meditation.

Parental love

Our love for our children should reflect the love God has for each one of us. I love each of my sons deeply for reasons I can’t even explain. The joy our children provide us (especially when they are making good decisions and learning and growing) provides us a glimpse of the joy God feels when we grow spiritually.

Next time you look at your child, meditate on the love of God. Feel grateful for the blessing of a family—your physical family and, ultimately, the family of God.

To learn more about how God works with us as our Father, read “God as a Father” and “How to Become a Child of God.”

John Columbo is happily married with three sons and attends the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.