The verses from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, found in the Bible, offer an insightful perspective on the role of fathers in reflecting the love of our Father in heaven. It is a message that resonates deeply with Rev. Hans Fiene, a pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood, Missouri. In these verses, St. Paul acknowledges God as the ultimate Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. This revelation, though profound, may be challenging for some to grasp, as Fiene notes.
According to Fiene, the argument presented by some atheists that it is arrogant to believe in a God who loves us, given the vastness of the universe, is not only unconvincing but also reflective of a deeper sentiment. He suggests that this argument may stem from a lack of a loving father figure in their lives. The assumption that one is insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe can be traced back to personal experiences with earthly fathers who may have been harsh, distant, or neglectful. When earthly fathers fail to demonstrate love and care, it may hinder a person’s ability to perceive the love of their heavenly Father.
Fiene, who is a father of five children himself, emphasizes the importance of earthly fathers in shaping a child’s understanding of God’s love. A father’s role as a protector, provider, and sacrificer mirrors the qualities of God the Father, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity. However, the failure of earthly fathers to display love and compassion can create barriers to accepting the love of a divine Father.
For those who have experienced challenges in their relationship with their earthly fathers, Fiene offers a message of hope. He asserts that it is not arrogant to believe that God loves us individually, despite the vastness of the universe. Drawing from his own experiences growing up with a loving father, Fiene finds it natural to believe in a God who sacrifices for His children. This Father’s Day, he prays for his own children to witness that same love in him and for all fathers to embody the love of the heavenly Father.
In conclusion, Fiene’s reflections on the verses from Ephesians highlight the profound impact of fathers in shaping one’s faith and perception of God’s love. The parallels drawn between earthly fathers and the heavenly Father underscore the importance of fathers in providing a tangible representation of divine love. Despite the challenges and shortcomings that some may have experienced with their earthly fathers, Fiene encourages individuals to seek solace in the unwavering love of the Father in heaven. Through faith and reflection, one can find healing and comfort in the boundless love that God offers to all His children.
