Father’s Day is a special time to celebrate and honor the fathers and father figures God has given us. For children, it’s a chance to say thank you for everything their fathers do for them—from repairing bicycles to offering comfort after a breakup to teaching them how to love God’s Word. For fathers, it’s a day to focus on the joys of fatherhood and the incredible blessing of family.

For some, Father’s Day can be difficult to celebrate. It’s a day when those without fathers feel the ache of loss or abandonment. It’s a day when those who were hurt by their fathers feel the sting of bitterness or betrayal. And it’s often just one of many days when fathers feel overwhelmed by the pressures and worries that come with parenting.

God’s Word is full of miracles, but maybe the most amazing miracle is how God adopts us into his family: “See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God’s children—and so, in fact, we are” (1 John 3:1 GNT).

Throughout his Word, God provides us with reminders about how much he loves and cares for us as his own children. He offers strength to fathers and father figures seeking to raise their children to love him and find their hope in the Scriptures.

The Bible has encouragement to offer each of us on Father’s Day—and the rest of the year. Here are five reminders from the Scriptures to help you focus on God’s vision for Father’s Day.

Everyone who believes in Jesus becomes a true child of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.” So then, you are no longer a slave but a child. And since you are his child, God will give you all that he has for his children.
Galatians 4:6-7 (GNT)

God promises to be a perfect Father who always protects and provides for his children.

My father and mother may abandon me, but the LORD will take care of me.
Psalm 27:10 (GNT)

Fatherhood is a special opportunity to raise your children according to the Bible’s life-giving teachings.

Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.
Proverbs 22:6 (GNT)

Even in the most challenging parenting moments, fathers can show their children love—just like God shows us love.

The LORD corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud.
Proverbs 3:12 (GNT)

God desires that families—fathers, mothers, and children—be rooted and grounded in his Word.

“The LORD—and the LORD alone—is our God. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:4b-9 (GNT)

Take time this Father’s Day to reflect on these beautiful promises and affirmations of love from your Heavenly Father. Rest in the promises of God’s Word, and thank him for the good fathers and father figures he has placed in your life!