By Dr. Floyd Godfrey

Understanding God as Father and the Impact of Earthly Father Relationships

Our concept of God the Father is one of the most powerful and personal aspects of Christian faith. However, for many believers, this divine relationship is clouded by past experiences with their earthly father. Whether due to absence, neglect, or even abuse, the wounds inflicted by human fathers often distort our ability to fully trust and connect with our Heavenly Father. These emotional and spiritual struggles are common, yet they are not insurmountable. As believers grow in their understanding of God's character, they can begin to separate the pain of the past from the truth of God's nature.

G. Norton (2025) insightfully writes, "For so many the inability to relate to our Heavenly Father lies with dear old dad" (p. 35). This simple yet profound statement echoes a challenge many Christians face. Our minds, often unconsciously, project the limitations of our earthly father onto God. If our father was distant, we may feel God is inattentive. If our father was unpredictable or harsh, we may fear that God is also capricious or condemning.

But this is not the character of the God revealed in Scripture. Jesus Christ came not only to redeem humanity but to show us the heart of the Father. As Norton notes, "...through his life He revealed our Heavenly Father as one who is attentive, benevolent, capable, dependable and obviously so much more" (p. 36). These attributes contrast sharply with the failures we may have experienced from our earthly fathers. God is not distracted or harsh; He is present, loving, and completely trustworthy.

One of the most healing truths in Scripture is that God desires to heal our brokenness. Norton affirms this when he writes, "He wants to heal our father wounds..." (p. 36). These wounds, often buried beneath years of hurt or denial, need the gentle touch of a loving Father who sees us completely. The healing God offers is not superficial; it reaches the deepest places of pain and reshapes our hearts with hope and truth.

Norton continues by emphasizing God's constant awareness of our lives: "But we have a Heavenly Father who is attentive to us in every aspect of our life, hurts and needs" (p. 36). This truth brings comfort in a world where even good fathers can be distracted or limited. God is never too busy, never too far away. "As our landscape changes our Father is never caught off guard," Norton adds (p. 39). This constant vigilance reminds us that no matter how uncertain life becomes, God is never surprised or unprepared.

Furthermore, God’s attentiveness is not limited to major crises. He cares deeply about both the significant and seemingly insignificant parts of our journey. Norton reassures readers that "He is never unaware of life's greatest tragedies or smallest disappointments" (p. 39). Such a statement should encourage every believer to bring their burdens to the Lord, knowing He receives them with compassion and care.

Understanding and accepting the true nature of our Heavenly Father is not an overnight process. For those who carry emotional scars from their fathers, this journey may involve grief, forgiveness, and intentional spiritual growth. But through Christ, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this healing is not only possible, it is promised.

As believers allow God to reshape their understanding of what it means to be a Father, they can begin to rest in His love, trust His guidance, and enjoy the peace of a relationship that is not based on human failure but on divine faithfulness.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References
Norton, G. (2025). Making His Prayer Your Prayer. Hyperspace Chief Publications.