What should a father be like according to the Bible? 8 qualities of a good fathertranslated

What should a good father be like? Strict or lenient? Nurturing and caring, or those who know how to let go and give the child freedom? The Bible does not contain ready-made instructions for raising children, but there are many stories that help to understand what a father's calling is. Let's turn to them and try to create a portrait of the father as the Holy Scripture sees him.

Priest Evgeny MURZIN

editor of the direction "Faith and Church"

1 Loves even when a child makes mistakes (parable of the Prodigal Son; Luke 15:11–32). The youngest son demanded his share of the inheritance from his father, left home and squandered all the money. When he returned, his father ran out to meet him, hugged him and threw a feast in honor of his return. He did not remind his son of previous mistakes and demand evidence of correction. In this parable, Christ talks about God’s love for man. But the image of a merciful father can become an example for all parents. The child must know: no matter what happens to him, no matter what mistakes he makes, he is expected and loved at home. Even when a father does not approve of the actions of his son or daughter, his love remains unchanged.

2 He knows how to listen (The Child Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple; Luke 2:41–52). When…