Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, has urged Christian fathers to emulate God, the Father, Who is the perfect example of Fatherhood.
Ndukuba, who gave this counsel while celebrating this year’s Father’s Day, advised fathers to strive to be like God the Father, Who loves and cares for His children, even when they go astray.
He said when a child rebels, a father is expected to willingly forgive and guide the child. To buttress his point, he cited the example of the prodigal son’s father, who continued to pray and waited patiently for his son’s return. In his view, a father should be forgiving, loving and caring.
He enjoined fathers, especially the younger ones, to spend quality time with their families and invest in their children’s lives. He quoted the Bible text that called on parents to train their children in the way they should go, so that when they grow up, they would not depart from it. He called on fathers to teach their children and not relegate that duty to mothers.
The cleric, who described fathers as teachers, pastors and caregivers, noted that when fathers fail in their responsibility, it results in delinquent children.
Ndukuba stressed that when fathers play their roles effectively, some of the problems faced in the society would be curbed. He pointed out that fatherhood is a privileged position, and responsibility that God has given to men. Therefore, the Lord expects fathers to learn from Him, so they can become the kind of fathers He wants them to be. He remarked that fathers could stand not alone. Therefore, to celebrate fathers, is to celebrate the whole family.
He thanked God for the gift of love and family and celebrated all fathers for all they do. He reiterated his belief that God wants to restore the family and rebuild it, so that through the family, the church and society would be built up. He prayed that fathers would take their roles and place in the church, home and nation very seriously.
I heard you my LORD