• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Ron Simkins

Author and Pastor

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
  • The Blog
  • Contact
  • Get Updates

February 14, 2022 by Ron Simkins 2 Comments

GOD IS A LOVING FATHER! WHAT DO WE MEAN? WHAT DID JESUS MEAN?

As mentioned in a previous blog, when Jesus called God Father, he was always referring both to God’s authority and to God’s commitment to our good. Although the biblical writers had, and used, words for “love” that are primarily emotional, the word usually used to describe God’s love for us and the love we are commanded to have for one another is not primarily about “good feelings.” In fact, you cannot command good feelings. What God is committed to, and we are commanded to learn to image, is a stubborn commitment to wanting, and acting toward, the best for the other person (agape/chesed).

It is not because God must, or because it is written in the stars, that God chooses to relate to us in this interpersonal manner. Rather, the God of the Old Testament (Elohim who is YHWH) chooses to create humans and to love humans because God desires to. This means God is more committed to good for us than God is committed to avoiding personal hurt and pain. Jesus’ relationship with God is so trusting and trustworthy that he embodies this commitment and demonstrates it at great personal cost. To put it in words Paul penned later that seem to describe his own experience with God’s Fatherly love coming to him through Jesus:

Romans 8:31 So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. Won’t he also freely give us all things with him?

33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect people? It is God who acquits them. 34 Who is going to convict them? It is Jesus the Messiah who died, even more, who was raised, and who also is at God’s right side. It is Jesus the Messiah who also pleads our case for us. (CEB with change of Christ to “Messiah”)

What do you mean, what do I mean, when we say, “God is a loving Father?”

Filed Under: Writings

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vern Fein says

    February 14, 2022 at 8:50 pm

    Excellent and true.

    Reply
    • Ron Simkins says

      February 22, 2022 at 7:29 pm

      Vern, thanks for all the ways you continue to encourage! Be blessed, and let’s keep growing!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

Connect with Ron

  • Email
  • Facebook

Join the Mailing List!

Please wait...

Thank you for sign up!

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
  • The Blog
  • Contact
  • Get Updates

Copyright © 2023 · Hello! Pro 3 on Genesis Framework

I use cookies on my website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT