Do you know that a good father is not just a householder but also a guide in the lives of children and this is explained beautifully in the Bible?
The Bible is not just a religious text but it also provides a deep guidance in every aspect of life especially fatherhood.
When a man becomes a father, he does not just take on a responsibility, he becomes a spiritual, moral and emotional pillar for his children.
In this article, we will learn: “What are the seven rules of a father in the Bible?” so that every father can understand what the Bible says for him and how he can become a true guide for his children.
What are the seven rules of a father in the Bible?
1. Be the Spiritual Leader of the Home
When it comes to What are the seven rules of a father in the Bible?, the first and most important responsibility of a father in the Bible is to lead his home spiritually.
This means that a father should lead his family to follow the path of God and show them the right path and lead them to be faithful to God. Ephesians 6:4 says
“Fathers, bring up your children not in anger, but in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.”
This means that a father should lead and raise his children in love and the discipline of the Lord, not in anger or tyranny. Joshua 24:15 makes this great declaration:
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
It is a father’s responsibility to lead his entire family to serve and worship God, and when it comes to what are the seven rules of a father in the Bible?, the first rule is that the father should lead his family according to God’s way.
Ways to be a good spiritual leader
- Pray in front of children and teach them too.
- Get the whole family into the habit of reading the Bible and show them its benefits.
- Make going to church a family habit and teach them to love only one God.
- Whatever decision you make in life, give priority to God’s will. This will help your children learn the path of truth through you.
In this way, a father can not only become a spiritual guide for his children, but can also instill God’s fear and love in their hearts. This is the first identity of a “father in the Bible”.
Related: What Does the Bible Say About Fathers? | Biblical Qualities of a Good Dad
2. Provide and Protect the Family
bible verses about fathers responsibilities tell us that the second most important responsibility of a father is to fulfill the needs of his family and
always protect them and support them in difficult times. This includes not only earning financially for the family but also providing emotional and mental security to the family. 1 Timothy 5:8 says,
“If anyone does not provide for his household, especially for those of his own household, he has abandoned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This is a harsh but clear warning that no man should take lightly. Our lives are a gift from God, so we must always remain loyal to Him and follow His path.
The Bible reminds fathers in the Bible that a true believer cannot back out from his family’s responsibility and he fulfills his responsibilities which is both his duty and God’s command.
Ways to become a true provider
- Work hard and plan for financial stability
- Making children feel safe
- Taking care of their physical and mental health
- Standing as a shield for the family in times of adversity
- Maintaining the family’s bank balance.
According to Pew Research, fathers who fulfill the financial and emotional needs of children in a balanced way produce more stable and confident children and
their children become more courageous and confident. So follow the path shown by God, he will not let you get disappointed,
if you try to fulfill the needs of the child and become a good provider, then God is with you, he will help you.
3. Discipline with Love, Not Anger
The job of a father is not only to love his child but also to explain to him the consequences of his mistakes and the difference between right and wrong, but not with anger, but with love.
This is important because the wrong behavior of parents affects the life of the child and such children grow up to become aggressive citizens who are not liked by the society.
Therefore, it is important that parents explain to the child with love when he commits a mistake and do not punish
him every time, this can cause mental suffering. Motivate the child to correct his mistake and avoid giving punishment. Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares his rod hates him, but he who loves him disciplines him at the right time.”
This means that if a parent does not discipline his child at all or ignores his mistakes every time, then he is not really concerned about the child’s well-being.
But parents who truly love their child, guide him in the right direction at the right time and teach him discipline with love are liked by God. That is why it is said in Colossians 3:21:
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
How to discipline so that it does not cause harm
- If the child makes a mistake, first explain it to him with love, there is no need to scold or punish him immediately.
- If punishment is to be given, it should be limited and thoughtful, just enough so that the child can learn.
- Never take a decision in anger, calm yourself down and then think what would be the right thing to do.
- After punishing, hug the child and tell him that you love him.
- Avoid beating, shouting or insulting him in front of everyone, this breaks the child’s heart.
- Listen to the child as well, maybe there is some reason behind his mistake which he wants to tell.
- Do not punish for every small mistake, teach by explaining what should be done next.
- Praise good behavior, this will make the child understand that doing good is appreciated.
- Teach by giving examples, children learn more from your behavior than from words.
- Every child is different, explain and guide him according to his nature.
Discipline is a frequently repeated topic in Bible verses about fathers responsibilities, but its method is told with love and kindness,
so do not be violent with the child for his mistake, God does not like those who are violent on the weak.
Related: Teach Your Child Responsibilities 7 Tips to Get Started
4. Teach God’s Word to Your Children
What are the seven rules of a father in the Bible So you should know that one of these 7 rules is that the father should introduce his children to the words of God.
This is not just the work of the church or Sunday School, but it is to give spiritual education to the children, which the child learns the most from his family and home environment.
God wants man to raise his children on the path shown by God, that is why God has said in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 that
“These words that I tell you today should be in your heart; teach them often…”
How to teach God’s word to children
- Read a short Bible story every night before going to bed, children listen carefully.
- When something good or bad happens, explain it by connecting it to the principle of the Bible.
- Make them memorize small Bible verses every day and explain their meaning in simple language.
- Take out some time during the day when the TV and mobile are turned off and the conversation is only about God.
- Make children develop the habit of praying, even if it is short – like before eating or before sleeping.
- Biblical stories can also be explained in the form of acting or games, this will be fun as well as learning.
- When children do something good, tell them that this is God’s will.
- Show Bible verses with pictures or colorful books, this helps children understand quickly.
- Read the scriptures yourself and when the child sees, he will also imitate you.
- When the child asks questions, do not avoid them, satisfy their curiosity with love.
5. Be a Role Model in Faith and Character
Children learn what they see their father doing and what happens in their family, so a father should become an example of character and faith in his life and lead the family on the right path.
For example, in the olden days, the army accepted only that person as its military general who had fought a war in life and was successful.
The army did not accept a person who never fought a war in life as its leader and role model because he himself does not know anything about war.
Similarly, until you become a good personality, the child will not accept you as his role model and will not listen to what you say.
How to become a Biblical Role Model example:
- Stay away from lies, cheating or bad habits yourself, because children learn only what they see.
- Speak the truth in every situation and stand by the right thing, this is the real education.
- When someone is being wronged, do not keep quiet show the child that it is important to speak up for the truth.
- Learn to forgive and tell the children that it is not necessary to get angry at every mistake, love can also lead to correction.
- Bring humility in your behavior, because a humble person is the greatest example.
When the child sees his father walking in truth, kindness and faith, he himself learns to walk on the same path because his father has created the family environment in the same way.
He will fear that if he chooses bad habits, the family will not accept him, so he will adopt his father’s good habits as a part of his life and become a good citizen.
Related: 55+ Bible Quotes About a Father’s Love
6. Love your wife
The Bible makes it clear that a husband should respect and love his wife. This creates a happy atmosphere in the family and reduces mutual conflicts.
If a man does not respect his wife and is violent towards her, then the daughter will never accept such a father as a role model and neither will the son,
because it is absolutely true that children are often more attached to their mother. For the good upbringing of children, it is important to always treat your wife with love because she is also the parent of the children.
If the mother of the children is mistreated, then they will become emotionally distant from the father.
Keep in mind that the foundation of a happy family is to love your wife first. That is why God has said in Ephesians 5:25 that
“Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church…”
Why it is important
- What the children see will gradually become their nature.
- The relationship between parents is the first school of the child.
- A peaceful and respectful married life gives security to the child’s mind.
- The child learns the art of love, patience and forgiveness in relationships from home itself.
- If there are less fights and more understanding in the house, then the child becomes emotionally strong.
According to a report, 36% of mental health problems in children occur when the relationship between parents in the family is not good,
whereas this number is only 22% in the case where the parents live together and respect each other.
7. Pray for and with your children
Praying for children is not just a religious tradition, but an invisible shield in the lives of children. When a father bows down before God for his child,
and prays for them, he is no longer just a guardian, he becomes a warrior for his child’s soul. The Bible also has the example of Job. Job 1:5 says:
“Job… offered burnt offerings for all his sons… to see if his sons had sinned…”
This shows that Job was a father who cared about his children’s spiritual well-being and prayed for them regularly.
Did they not think about what the children were doing or whether they had any wrong thoughts in their mind? This is the concern that comes from the heart of a father.
How to pray for children:
- Start the day with a small prayer, so that the child gets used to it.
- When the child is in trouble, pray together for him – he will learn to trust.
- Give the child a chance to speak in prayer, even if it is just a few words.
- Before sleeping at night, pray a prayer of thanksgiving together with the whole family.
- Teach children that prayer is not just for need, but a way of talking to God.
Related: What Is FAFO Parenting? Know How it is Beneficial For You
Conclusion
Now that you know what are the seven rules of a father in the Bible?, it is important that you implement them in your life and also follow them because it is not right to ignore God’s
message even after receiving it. God wants you to be a better and good father. A father’s job is not just to raise the child but also to be a spiritual warrior, guide and protector.
If you follow these seven Bible rules, you will not only be a good father but you will also sow seeds in your children’s lives that will make them strong, God-fearing, and virtuous human beings in the future.
People Also Ask
Q1. What are the seven rules of a father in the Bible?
According to the Bible, a father has 7 main responsibilities which are not mentioned in any specific chapter of the Bible but after reading the Bible, scholars have deduced what message God gives to fathers to be a good father, which is mentioned in the Bible as follows.
- Spiritual leadership
- Protection and care of the family
- Loving discipline
- Teaching God’s word to children
- Being a role model in conduct and faith
- Loving your wife
- Praying for and with children
Q2. Who are the Bible fathers who are considered ideal?
There are many examples of fathers in the Bible such as Abraham, Job, Jacob, Dawood, all of them are great examples of understanding the role of a father in the Bible.
Q3. What is the biggest responsibility of a father mentioned in the Bible?
According to Bible verses about fathers responsibilities, the biggest responsibility is to guide children on the path of God and teach them the path shown by God, that is, to worship only one God who is the Lord of Jesus, Abraham, David, Moses, Adam and the whole world.
Q4. Is only the mother important in the upbringing of children?
This is not so at all. In the Bible, father is also considered as important as mother. In Fatherhood in the Bible, it is told that a father is the spiritual, emotional and moral pillar of the house. His presence and guidance is very important in the development of children.
Q5. Can a single father also follow these rules of the Bible?
It is clear from what does the Bible say about fathers that God judges every father on the basis of his efforts and intentions. If a single dad is sincerely devoted to his children,
then he can follow the rules of the Bible completely and you should keep in mind that the message of the Bible is for the whole humanity, so it is a message for every human being.
Q6. How do you discipline your children without hurting them?
The Bible verses about fathers responsibilities say to discipline with love, not anger. First explain, then give limited punishment, and then hug them and tell them why you did what you did. By doing this, they will accept correction, not fear.
Q7. Is it only the church’s job to teach children the Bible?
No, it is not so. According to Deuteronomy 6:6-7, it is the parents’ responsibility to teach the child to follow God’s Word, that is, the Bible.
Q8. How can a father be a spiritual leader?
The Bible says that a father should make a resolution for his home like Joshua 24:15 “I and my house will serve the Lord.” Pray, read the Bible, go to church, and encourage children to follow God’s way.
Q9. Does the Bible tell how a husband should love his wife?
Yes, Ephesians 5:25 is clear: “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.” This is one of the Bible verses about fathers responsibilities because only a good husband can be a good father;
one who fails to be a good husband and commits violence against his wife cannot be a good father.
Q10. What is the impact if a father does not pray?
What does the Bible say about fathers makes it clear that if a father does not pray, he is neglecting the spiritual protection of his children. The example of Job in Job 1:5 shows that prayer is like a spiritual shield for children.