How can we honor the fathers in our lives?
Studies show that one of the biggest needs of a man is respect. When we show the fathers in our lives respect, it feeds them emotionally and gives them the confidence they need to tackle each day. In looking at the word R.E.S.P.E.C.T., this acronym is a good way to remember how to bless the men in our lives.
R – Realize He’s Human Too
I know I’m stating the obvious, but it’s worth noting. The men in our lives are going to make mistakes, they are going to disappoint us and sometimes they’ll make us downright angry. But as we desire grace in our shortcomings, we need to show the same to our men. They aren’t perfect, nor will they ever be. As we want others to be patient when we blow it, we need to express patience with our men. Discuss with your children about how you’ve made mistakes too, and how their dad has loved you despite them. Remind them that ALL people make mistakes (we’re all sinners) and how important it is for them to love and forgive through those mistakes.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
E – Express Gratitude and Thankfulness
The simple act of thanking the men in our lives for what they do, how they lead, and how they care are powerful antidotes in a world full of the ‘never enough’ montage that we are constantly bamboozled with. As we give thanks to the LORD for the many ways He blesses us, let’s be sure to express thankfulness as well to our men. Kids can make cards and write a special note of thanks. Maybe include a fun memory they’ve had with their dad and relay how special that is for them and why.
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
S – Speak Well of Him to Others
Have you noticed how women speak negatively about the men in their lives? Words have power and we must use the gift of language and speech that our heavenly Father has endowed us with to speak in a positive manner. Good habits are caught not taught to children. As children hear their moms speaking positively about their dads, children will in turn do the same. Make it a habit to speak ‘life’ words that build up and encourage. Our kids will surely emulate this.
James 3:9-10 With our tongue we give thanks to our Father in heaven. And with our tongue we speak bad words against men who are made like God. Giving thanks and speaking bad words come from the same mouth. My Christian brothers, this is not right!
P – Pray Daily for Him
Oh, the power that goes forth when we pray! Praying daily for the men in our lives can be life-changing. Pray that the Lord would guide, lead, and work in their lives to be mighty men of God in their relationships, homes, and community. This world desperately needs Godly men. Let’s be the agent of change we want to see and let it begin with fervent prayers for our men. Help your children create hearts for prayer by praying with them each day and asking them to pray for their dad. Depending on their father’s career they can specify prayer requests such as safety, wisdom, strength, etc.
E – Extol His Virtues
Reminding the men in your life of their good qualities is a great way of showing respect. Men need to hear what they are doing right. We often focus on the negative aspects and traits rather than the good. It’s important that we tell them the positive ways they impact or influence us and those around them. As our children hear us speaking words of affirmation, they are more likely to follow suit and bless others with their words. Simple ways by children can do this is by telling their dads how much they love and appreciate him and thank him for being their dad.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
C – Communicate in His Love Language
One of the best ways to show respect to the men in our lives is to communicate with them in their love language. Granted you will have to know the person pretty well to know what their love language is and whether it’s touch, time, words, gifts or actions. When discovered this is an amazing tool for expressing respect. Each of us responds best when we are being loved according to our individual needs. With children, the possibilities are endless to show their love; help them create a brief video, bake a special treat, help mow/weed the yard, wash his car, etc. As kids grow, teaching them the importance of loving others to show their gratitude is greatly valued and will benefit them throughout their lives.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
T – Treasure the Time
We’ve all experienced loss of some nature. Nothing in this world is guaranteed except the presence and promises of Jesus. Since we don’t know what a day, week, month, or year can bring treasure the time you have with the men in your life. Time to a small child is a difficult concept. To help with this, make a treasure box for the men in their lives. For a child, a treasure can be a rock, toy, etc.
For Father’s Day, have your child put a ‘treasure’ of theirs in the box. Help your child write a simple note of why this is a treasure and why your child wanted to place it in the box. Be sure to date the note as well. As applicable, your child can draw and color a picture on the note as well. Kids can present this gift to their dads for Father’s Day. In the following years, have your child add another treasure to the box with a note to accompany it. This will truly be a treasure box as the years unfold and hold sweet memories for the whole family.
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
This Father’s Day as you look for ways to honor the men in your life, try respecting and blessing them with one or more of these ways. In doing so, you’ll make an impact and encourage them. And who doesn’t need to be encouraged to thrive and live life abundantly?
