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You know that we treated each one of you the way a father treats his own children. We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we told you to live good lives for God. He calls you to be part of his glorious kingdom. - 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 12 (ERV)  

As far as we know, Paul, the author of the letter to the church of Thessalonica, missionary, teacher, tent maker, and revolutionary thinker, never married and never had children. He appears to have given up the dream of a home and family to serve Christ in his calling. He never got to experience the joy and fulfilment that being a father can bring.  

He did become a father figure to many – Timothy, Titus, Philemon and perhaps more. He poured his life into many; their lives were deeply impacted by his influence.  

While he was never a father, he did have views about what good fathers do.  

In 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 12, he wrote, “You know that we treated each one of you the way a father treats his own children. We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we told you to live good lives for God. He calls you to be part of his glorious kingdom.” 

Here he included 3 things a good father does.  

1. We encouraged you. Good fathers encourage their children. They see the good things in their children and let them know about it. Often, they see good things no one else sees and help their children to see them too. They point them to greater heights of achievement. They instill courage within them (this is literally what “encourage” means) so they can face and win the battles of life. They believe in their children and do what it takes to help them become the person God calls them to be. 

2. We comforted you. Good fathers know when their children need comfort, and they are there for them. Life can be hard and harsh, and everyone needs to know they have someone in their life that is there for them and is actually “for them.” Different people need different kinds of comfort at different times. Fathers know that. It may be a hug, a handshake, a pat on the back, a call, an email, a letter, a time of listening, a word of advice, an appropriate Scripture, an offer of help, a coming alongside. Just having a father there who cares may be all the comfort a child (of any age) may need.  

3. We told you to live good lives for God. Everyone needs help at some point in figuring out life. What is success in life and how do I achieve it? What is my purpose? What kind of person do I become? What is the best direction for my life? Good fathers know that if we lead good lives for God, all of life’s questions will be answered in Him. God has a good plan for our children’s lives, and good fathers help their children discover it and live it out. Good fathers set the example by living good lives for God; it is caught more than taught. Children should see in their fathers a life worth emulating. Paul did that for those who looked to him for guidance in life. Good fathers do the same; they live good lives for God.  

Paul didn’t just write about what good fathers do, he lived it out in his own life in the ways he could with the people God brought into his life. It was who he was. He became a father to those around him who needed that from him. His influence is still felt throughout the world. He is in some ways still a father figure to us. We who read his words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are part of his legacy.   

This Sunday is Father’s Day, a day to honor the fathers and father figures in our lives.  The best way to honor them is a life well lived.  

Happy Father’s Day to all our fathers and father figures who have encouraged us, comforted us and lived good lives for God as an example for us. Thank you for your life and for your love. May our good, heavenly Father bless you today and everyday as you follow Jesus.