Father's Day 2025

6/15/2025 

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

“You know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”

Father's Day has a rich history rooted primarily in the United States, with earlier commemorations and religious observances in Europe. The modern Father's Day in the U.S. was first proposed by Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, in 1909. She wanted to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised six children alone after his wife died. The first official celebration took place at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910.

Sonora was inspired by the success of Mother's Day and sought a similar day to honor fathers. Although she initially suggested June 5 (her father's birthday), the celebration was moved to the third Sunday in June to allow more preparation time.

It was not until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day, and in 1972 President Richard Nixon signed it into permanent law.

Before the U.S. celebration, there were earlier observances related to fatherhood. For example, in 1908, a one-time Father's Day service was held in Fairmont, West Virginia, to honor fathers who died in a mining disaster. Additionally, in Catholic Europe, Father's Day has long been celebrated on March 19, St. Joseph's Day, honoring the foster father of Jesus, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The tradition of Father's Day has since spread worldwide, with many countries adopting the third Sunday in June, while others celebrate on different dates tied to local customs or religious observances.

Symbolically, the white or red rose is associated with Father's Day, introduced by Sonora Smart Dodd: a white rose to honor deceased fathers and a red rose for living fathers. Later, the carnation became the flower for Mother’s Day using the same color scheme.

So, today we honor fathers, and all the paternal relationships we have had in our lives. As with our mothers, some of our earthly fathers were lacking in some areas. But as with our mothers, we are to forgive our fathers; they did the best they could with their spiritual and emotional development.

There are many qualities that comprise a good father, and it is not surprising that they are the same qualities that make up a good person. Good fathers are first of all, good people. It is difficult for an unstable, egocentric person to have good relationships with anyone, be it their wife, children, or any other person.

What makes a good father? Many things, but here are my top ten qualities, not in any order of importance. As you hear them, know that the more we can apply them to our own lives, the more successful we will be in all our relationships, whether as a father, grandfather, mother, friend, or another connection with someone.

The first is being present and involved. We spoke about this in detail last week. A good father is present and actively involved in his children's lives, prioritizing quality time and being truly engaged in their activities and interests. Author Umberto Eco wrote, “I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.”

Second, fathers provide unwavering support and encouragement, helping children pursue their passions and dreams, even if those differ from their own expectations. According to The Art of Manliness, founded by Brett McKay in 2008, “Being a great father is like shaving. If you don't do it every day, you look like a bum.”

Third, effective fathers listen attentively, validate their children's feelings, and foster open honest communication, making their children feel heard and understood. It is not all about them and what they want, but what their children seek.

Fourth, fathers serve as role models, demonstrating integrity, responsibility, a strong work ethic, and values they wish to instill in their children through both words and actions. It is not just do what I say, but also, do as I do. “Whatever you do, do it as I do it with the things that are important to me – with focus, determination, patience, and perseverance.”

Fathers are called to lead their families in faith and teach their children about God. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 instructs fathers to impress God's commandments on their children, talking about them in daily life and making them central to the household. The best way to teach the commandments of God is to live them.

Fifth, fathers are respectful and compassionate.  Respect for the child, for the children's mother, and for others is a vital attribute, as is showing compassion, empathy, and kindness within the family and to those outside the family.

Number six, good fathers discipline fairly, focusing on teaching and guiding rather than punishing; they set consistent boundaries that help children learn and grow. It is not about controlling them but educating them. Anne Geddes wrote, “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.”

Ephesians 6:4 advises, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” highlighting the importance of nurturing discipline rather than harshness. Colossians 3:21 echoes this: “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Fatherhood demands wisdom and patience.

Number seven, fathers are nurturing and protective. They nurture their children's emotional and physical well-being, creating a safe, secure, and loving environment. A nurturing and protective nature is highly prized. Fathers who provide a safe, secure, and loving environment help their children feel cared for and confident to explore the world.

Have I mentioned that being a father requires patience? Patience and flexibility are essential, because children make mistakes and test boundaries. Flexibility allows fathers to adapt their parenting style as their children grow and circumstances change.

Number eight, a good father is fun-loving and affectionate. They are not shy about hugs, loves, snuggles, and sharing joy. A positive father enjoys spending time with his children, shares laughter, and expresses affection, making family life joyful and memorable. Proverbs 23:24 says, “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him,” affirming the happiness and pride a father feels in his children’s character.

Number nine, a good father is vulnerable and humble. Valued fathers are not afraid to show vulnerability, express emotions, and admit mistakes. This models emotional intelligence and teaches children the importance of humility and forgiveness. Good fathers are self-aware, recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, and are willing to apologize and grow alongside their children. Again, this is teaching through example, being a healthy role model, and keeping the ego in balance.

And number ten, and probably the most important, fathers demonstrate unconditional love. Children cherish fathers who love them for who they are, providing unwavering support and acceptance regardless of achievements or setbacks. This love forms the foundation for a child's sense of security, acceptance, and self-worth. It is not based on a child's achievements, behavior, or ability to meet expectations—it is given freely, regardless of circumstances or mistakes. It provides a safe environment for growth, learning, and even failure, knowing that acceptance and forgiveness are always available. 

This kind of love mirrors the love our Heavenly Father has for humanity, which is described as unmerited and unwavering, offering a model for earthly fathers to follow. Matthew 5:45 tells us, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

So, it is Father’s Day, and we are here to express thanks to our fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, companions-through-life, and whatever male-parental surrogates we have had in our lives, as well as to our Heavenly Father. I pray that we will offer up a prayer of thanks to our earthly fathers for having gotten us here. Forgive them for their failings, and know they are sending you love in return.  My prayer is that the love that we direct to our fatherly models increases our ability to receive and express love toward all people. Then we will be making the most of the opportunity this day provides.

So Happy Father’s Day to one and all!