Yesterday was Father’s Day, but it wasn’t a happy day for everyone. Some spent the day wishing they still had their dad with them. Others have distanced themselves from their father for their own emotional well-being.

Few things are as heartrending as a father who betrays the trust of his children. Stories of children who have been physically and sexually abused by their fathers or father figures are tragic. Unfortunately, these crimes are becoming horribly commonplace.

Even more heartbreaking is the knowledge that those who have been betrayed by their earthly fathers often go on to reject their heavenly Father. They find it painful to relate to any father figure, including God.

But God isn’t just another imperfect father figure. He’s not a deadbeat dad, a philandering papa, or an absentee parent. He is the perfect, holy creator of the universe. He is faithful, righteous, and just. He is always present, loving, and merciful.

Yet the failure of earthly fathers has led to a dismaying movement in our society: the denial of the fatherhood of God. This growing movement to deny God as Father permeates our society with dangerous results. If He is not our Father, then we are not accountable to Him. If we’re not accountable to Him, then sin is not a problem. And if sin is not a problem, then we do not need a Savior. The consequences of this rationale are more than terrible – they are eternal.

God is not restricted by human sexuality, but He has chosen to reveal Himself in His Word through male images. He described Himself as both the Father of the nation of Israel (Hosea 11:1) and our Father (Matthew 6:9). He sent His Son, the second person of the Trinity to show us the Father (John 14:9).

For some, earthly fathers are a blessing – a living picture of the relationship our heavenly Father wants to have with us. For others, earthly fathers have been a source of harm. Perhaps you have a father who betrayed you. Maybe you’re a mom who wishes her husband would be a better father. Despite our family circumstances, we must not allow the failures of imperfect, earthly fathers to taint our view of our perfect, heavenly Father.

The parent-child relationship we have with God begins with our relationship with Jesus Christ. John 1:12 tells us, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” We cannot become a child of God, with the privilege of calling Him Father, without believing in His Son, Jesus.

Once we call God Father, the more intimate our relationship with the Lord, the easier it is for us to trust His character and His ways. Our heavenly Father may allow circumstances that will be painful in the short term, but although they may hurt, they will never harm us. The God of creation is also our Savior and Redeemer. He is always working for our ultimate good and for His glory.

Whether we are teaching our own children, volunteering at church, or influencing our neighbors and friends, let’s affirm God as our perfect Father. Regardless of our positive or negative experiences with earthly fathers, we can celebrate Father’s Day each year by remembering the greatness of our heavenly Father.