
Celebrating dads and leaning on God
By Robert Prater on June 12, 2025
Father’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the amazing fathers and father figures in our lives. But we also recognize that this day can bring complicated or painful feelings for many.
Whether you’re cherishing joyful memories with your dad, grieving a loss, or navigating complex relationships, Mannford Church of Christ wants you to know that you’re not alone. No matter where you find yourself emotionally or spiritually, you have a place here.
The blessing of a good father
A loving, godly father is truly a priceless blessing. Fathers offer guidance, protection, wisdom, and love. They shape us into who we are and influence who we become. If you’ve been blessed with a father or father figure who has shown you kindness, strength, or compassion, take a moment today to cherish that gift.
The Bible often illustrates the beauty of a father’s love, showing how God designed fatherhood to reflect His heart. Psalm 103:13 says, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” Proverbs 23:24 also reminds us of the joy a father experiences: “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.”
Fatherhood—when modeled after God’s own heart—is something truly worth celebrating.
When Father’s Day is complicated or painful
Yet, we know Father’s Day isn’t joyful for everyone. Perhaps you’ve recently lost your father, or maybe your relationship with him has been complicated, strained, or distant. Possibly, you never knew your father at all. If today brings feelings of grief, sadness, or loneliness, we want you to know it’s okay to feel those emotions.
More importantly, we want to gently remind you that you have a Heavenly Father who understands. Psalm 68:5 beautifully describes God as “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.” God is ready to offer comfort, strength, and unconditional love in moments of pain or uncertainty. He invites each of us to lean on Him. As Jesus Himself promises in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
God as the perfect Father
The reality is that no earthly father—no matter how wonderful—can match the perfect love of our Heavenly Father. God’s love for us is unconditional, constant, and unwavering. He is faithful even when people fail us. He is present even when others leave. Isaiah 41:10 reassures us of this truth: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God longs to show you the depth of His perfect fatherly love. If today feels hard, rest in this truth: You are deeply loved by your Father in Heaven, who sees your story and meets you exactly where you are.
Finding community, comfort, and support at Mannford Church
One of the greatest ways God offers comfort is through community—connecting you with people who genuinely care. At Mannford Church of Christ, you’ll find a loving community of godly men and women ready to support you, listen to your story, and walk alongside you through both joyful and challenging moments.
Whether you’re looking for a father figure, encouragement from strong, faith-filled men and women, or simply a welcoming place to belong, we’re here with open arms and open hearts.
Join us this Sunday
No matter what Father’s Day looks like for you, we warmly invite you to join us this Sunday at Mannford Church of Christ. Come experience a welcoming community, uplifting worship, smiles, encouragement, and perhaps most importantly, a reminder of the unwavering love of our Heavenly Father.
- Bible Class: 9:30 AM
- Worship Service: 10:30 AM
You’re welcome exactly as you are. We can’t wait to meet you, worship with you, and share God’s comfort and love together.