4 Marks of a Good Father

Introduction

Good fathers are rare to find. They are like gold that must be dug out of the depths of the earth. They are not common because what makes them stand out are simple principles that many men are not committed to applying.

Joseph, the earthly father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was a good father. He demonstrated unique qualities that fathers today can learn from to become godly fathers in their own right.

There are some lessons we can learn from Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25 (NKJV):

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.”

Marks of a Good Father

Below are four applicable marks of good fathers:

1. The Good Father Does What is Right.

The first thing we learn from Joseph is that he did what was right by going to see the parents of Mary to be betrothed to her and later become legally married. Good fathers respect the traditions and norms of the person they want to spend their life with. They don’t act impulsively and acquire a woman to stay with. They want the community to witness and be part of their commitment to a woman.

Today, many men avoid commitment and settling down as married men. They prefer to play around and live a carefree life, moving from one woman to another without committing to one. A good father must first commit to a woman and together raise a family. This level of commitment demonstrates his maturity.

2. The Good Father Respects His Partner.

The second lesson we learn from Joseph is that he respected Mary and did not shame her when her pregnancy was revealed. Although he didn’t understand what was happening, he didn’t act unwisely by publicly disgracing her. Instead, he considered ending the relationship privately.

A good father must treat his partner with utmost respect and wisdom. Acting emotionally without wisdom can cause irreparable harm. Our godly wisdom must guide us to make good decisions in life. Life is about choices, and a good father must make decisions that protect and uplift women, rather than denigrating them.

3. The Good Father is Sensitive to the Promptings of the Lord.

The third lesson we learn from Joseph is his sensitivity to God’s guidance. In his confusion and decision to let Mary go, God’s angel visited him and gave him direction regarding Mary, their relationship, and the Child to be born. He accepted Mary as his wife and the Child as his own.

The important lesson here is that we must be sensitive to God’s voice. God can instruct us primarily through His word or by any other means He chooses. We must be alert and attentive to His messages for us and not miss His will for our lives.

4. The Good Father is Obedient to the Leading of the Lord.

The final lesson we learn from Joseph is obedience to God’s guidance. Joseph heard what God wanted him to do and promptly obeyed. He did not delay, consult others, or rationalize it. He was simply obedient to God.

A good father must learn to obey God’s directions for his life, his wife, and his children. Acting in faith and obedience to God’s word is crucial. Jesus said if we love Him, we must not only hear His words but also obey them.

Conclusion

A good father demonstrates qualities of doing what is right, respecting women, relying on God’s word, and responding to God’s guidance.

If we truly want to be good fathers, we must emulate Joseph and walk with God.

What have you learned to practice? Share your thoughts.

Eric Otchere writes daily biblical content to help believers grow in grace. Connect with him via info@livingourbible.com.