The prayer taught by Jesus begins with “Our Father”. God has many names because all of His attributes do not fit into one personality. But when we address God as our Father, what does it mean?

Not only did Jesus address God in His prayers, calling Him His “Father” in heaven, but in His most difficult times, in the Garden of Olives, He cried to His Father. “Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42 NKJV). He asked His Father to deliver Him, if possible. He didn’t ask His God, or to the Lord of armies. But to His Father. Jesus was not looking for power, He was looking for fatherly love, that bond so unique that is between a child and his father.

And as we are called to be brothers and sisters of Jesus (Matthew 12:50), we should also have the same relationship with God. He is not only the supreme Almighty One, He is not only the great King who rules over everything, but He also wants to be our Father. Yes, He is our authority figure, whom we respect, but He is also the one who is ready to do anything to defend His children, who will relentlessly seek His lost child. Although a father can have multiple children, we only have one father. So our relationship is unique, and it is the same with God. We are not just a soldier in His army, we are also His child, with all our uniqueness, and a unique relationship with Him.

We have all different, and above all, imperfect father figures. Take the time to realize that if your relationship with your earthly father was abusive, you will have a hard time imagining God as your Father. If your earthly father was absent or too severe, you will often have the same image of God. You cannot change your past, but if you realize that you are sticking a bad image on God, due to your difficult relationship with your earthly father, you will be on the road to recovery. No, God is not like your earthly father, and if you allow God to take His place as a good Father in your life, deep healing will take place. When you discover the true attributes of your Heavenly Father, you find peace, confidence, security.

And this is very important for men. Once married, once you are fathers yourselves, you will need the perfect role model to be the best you can be for your children. The image you had of your Heavenly Father may have been tarnished because of your earthly father’s wrongdoing. So, men, it is important to go and seek the revelation of the love that your heavenly father has for you so that you can then be good fathers to your children. The way your children see you is how they will see the image of God the Father. Think about it and go get your healing, let God be a good father to you right now, so that your model of fatherhood comes from Him, and not from your earthly influences.

And that, regardless of your age. Just because we’re over 40 doesn’t mean we don’t need a father anymore. Jesus made it clear that we need this love. Jesus was even more intimate in this notion. The gospel of Mark maintains that Jesus used the word “Abba” when addressing his Father. Many theologians and linguists agree that “Abba” is the word used by children and adults alike to speak directly to their father. It is not necessarily the equivalent of “daddy”, but we still see a certain intimacy deeper than the term “father” alone. It is this very close relationship that we are invited to have with God after our salvation. “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6 NKJV).

How is that important when we are single, to see God as our Father, and not just as the Creator of the Universe? Well, besides preparing ourselves to become good parents later, we find one more reason to trust Him in choosing a mate. In the Bible, marriages were arranged by fathers. Why don’t you let your Heavenly Father present you with good candidates? He won’t force you to marry anyone, but as a good father, He will certainly present you with great opportunities if you have this beautiful relationship with Him. Finally, do not forget, however, that not only is God your father, but He will also be your father-in-law when, for example, you meet a beautiful Christian girl. Do you think meeting the father of this beauty is stressful? Wait until you hear God ask you to report to Him on how you treat His daughter (or son)? Your Father may be a King, but so is her Father, and He will defend her sternly if you are not careful!