Father’s Day is a secular holiday that is celebrated in many countries around the world to honor fathers and fatherhood. In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. The origins of Father’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by the recently established Mother’s Day, conceived the idea of a day to celebrate fathers. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington in 1910 after receiving support from churches and the YMCA.
For Christians, the question arises whether or not Father’s Day should be celebrated, given that its origins are not based in Christianity. There are differing views within the Christian community regarding the observance of Father’s Day.
Some Christians argue against celebrating Father’s Day for the following reasons:
- Father’s Day has pagan origins – Being a secular holiday established by society, Father’s Day was not ordained by God. Its origins can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations of men and fathers.
- Should only celebrate what the Bible commands – The Bible does not command the celebration of special days for fathers. Christians should only celebrate holidays and festivals endorsed in the Bible.
- Focuses on earthly fathers, not heavenly Father – Father’s Day places the focus and emphasis on earthly fathers, rather than on God the Father.
- Encourages materialism – Father’s Day has become heavily commercialized by retailers. The emphasis on buying gifts takes away from the true meaning of honoring fathers.
- Distracts from God – Setting aside a special day for fathers distracts from time that could be set apart for God.
However, there are also persuasive reasons why other Christians believe celebrating Father’s Day is acceptable:
- Giving honor is biblical – The Bible instructs Christians to honor their fathers. Father’s Day provides a dedicated opportunity to follow this biblical command. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
- Appreciation for father’s role – Father’s Day allows people to celebrate the contribution and influence of fathers in their families and in society. It is an opportunity to show appreciation for their protection, provision, and guidance.
- Establish Christian traditions – Believers can take advantage of the cultural occasion to celebrate and honor fathers in a God-glorifying manner by infusing Christian traditions and values.
- A Hallmark holiday – While some argue Father’s Day has pagan origins, others view it as a secular “Hallmark holiday” that can be observed if one chooses. There is freedom in Christ.
- Good works/deeds – Doing good deeds to honor fathers such as spending quality time together, writing heartfelt cards, or giving modest gifts can please God. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
There are good-faith arguments on both sides of whether Christians should celebrate secular holidays like Father’s Day. There does not seem to be a definitive “right or wrong” biblical prescription. Since the Bible does not directly prohibit or command the observance of Father’s Day, it falls into the realm of Christian freedom.
Christian freedom allows believers to exercise their own judgment and wisdom to decide if participating in Father’s Day celebrations would serve others and bring glory to God. The important thing is that individuals who participate do so with the right heart motivation. It should not simply be an empty tradition or hallmark holiday, but rather an intentional opportunity to honor fathers and reflect on God’s design for fatherhood.
The following biblical principles can help guide Christians in discerning if and how to observe Father’s Day:
- Make Christ the focus – In all things, including any celebration, Christ should remain at the center. Avoid anything that would detract from honoring God.
- Examine motives and guard your heart – The manner and spirit in which one celebrates a holiday is most important, not the actual day itself. Ask why you want to celebrate this holiday and guard against any wrong motivations (Romans 14:5-9).
- Avoid promotion of ungodly practices – Be careful not to endorse or participate in anything immoral and contrary to Scripture if celebrating Father’s Day. Do not feel pressured by culture.
- Consider your conscience and others – If your spirit is troubled over celebrating Father’s Day, or if participating would cause another believer to stumble, then refrain out of consideration for your conscience and others. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:2)
- Seek unity – Be accepting of fellow Christians who hold different views concerning celebrating Father’s Day. Do not argue or judge one another over disputable matters.
- Redeem the day – View Father’s Day as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ-like love, minister to others, and glorify God through your words and deeds.
In summary, the Bible does not directly address Father’s Day. Christians have liberty to celebrate or not celebrate. More important than the day itself is the way Christians treat fathers and family all throughout the year. If Christians choose to celebrate Father’s Day, special care and effort should be made to celebrate in a God-honoring manner that glorifies Christ, builds up others, and focuses on godly fathership.
Here are some suggestions for Christians on ways to observe Father’s Day in a Christ-centered manner:
- Attend church together as a family to worship God.
- Reflect and pray about God’s unique design for fathers.
- Study and discuss biblical passages about fatherhood such as Ephesians 6:4.
- Write a heartfelt card or letter honoring your father for his sacrifices and example.
- Make your father his favorite meal or dessert.
- Do an act of service or volunteer project together as a family.
- Give a meaningful yet modest gift that shows your father you know him well.
- Create a photo album or slideshow highlighting special father-child moments.
- Share fond and funny memories about your father.
- Look through old photos and reminisce.
- If feasible, enjoy father-child outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, etc.
- Call or visit elderly fathers you may have lost contact with over the years.
Rather than gifts, encourage donation to charities that support fatherhood, like mentoring programs for at-risk kids without fathers. Video call military fathers deployed overseas to share your gratitude and support. Reach out to fatherless kids in your community to show them Christ-like love.
The Christian perspective allows room for celebrating Father’s Day creatively or not at all, so long as Christ remains at the center. Most importantly, Christians should honor and give thanks for their fathers regularly, not just once a year.
While the Bible does not specifically address Father’s Day, there are many passages about the role and responsibility of fathers that can help guide our perspective on godly fatherhood. Here is a survey of relevant verses:
Fathers Should Demonstrate God’s Love
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21)
Christian fathers are called to gently and patiently love their children. They should avoid cruelty, undue harshness, and unreasonable demands that could exasperate or discourage their children.
Fathers Should Teach God’s Truth
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
One of the primary roles of Christian fathers is instructing their children spiritually – impressing God’s truth on their hearts and modeling what it looks like to walk with God.
Children Should Honor Their Father
“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)
Children have a responsibility to respect and obey their parents. There is blessing in honoring one’s father with deference, care and obedience.
Fathers Should Not Provoke Children to Wrath
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21)
While fathers should correct their children, they must be careful in how they discipline. Harsh, impatient, and overbearing fathers can provoke their children to anger and resentment.
God Disciplines Those He Loves
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:11-12)
Discipline is a demonstration of love, not anger. As our perfect heavenly Father lovingly corrects us, so earthly fathers should gently and firmly discipline their children for their good.
Fathers Should Lead Their Households
“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive.” (1 Timothy 3:4)
As head of the home, the father is accountable for the spiritual state of his family. He must gently but firmly guide his children and command their respect and obedience.
Do Not Exasperate Your Children
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21)
Again, this verse highlights the importance of fathers nurturing their children patiently and avoiding undue harshness that can dishearten them.
Children, Obey Your Parents
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.'” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
God instructs all children to honor, respect and obey their fathers. This pleases God and leads to blessing.
God Comforts Us as a Father Comforts His Child
“As a father comforts his child, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13)
Our Heavenly Father tenderly comforts and cares for us, as a good father comforts his children in times of distress. Earthly fathers should reflect the gentle comfort of God.
While God is our perfect Heavenly Father, He has delegated oversight of families on earth to fathers. They bear responsibility for providing for, protecting, instructing and loving their children. When carried out faithfully and gently, fatherhood displays God’s own nurturing heart towards His people. The Bible provides many principles regarding a father’s role as head of the home and how children should respond. The biblical model of fatherhood centers around leadership, teaching, discipline and love.
If families are blessed with godly fathers who follow these biblical principles, every day can be a day to honor fathers.
Practical Ways Fathers Can Fulfill Biblical Principles of Fatherhood
In addition to the biblical principles for fathers already covered, here are some practical suggestions for fathers on how to fulfill their God-given responsibilities in a way that honors Christ:
- Spend one-on-one time with each child – Get to know their individual personalities, strengths and weaknesses.
- Model godliness in your daily life – Live out your faith where your children can see it including speech, integrity, lifestyle, values, etc.
- Discuss biblical truth around the dinner table or during drives – Teach children a biblical worldview across all of life.
- Pray regularly for and with your children – Bring their needs before God and pray Scripture over them.
- Attend church as a family – Worship together and involve children in church activities.
- Initiate family devotions – Read the Bible, discuss, apply it to life.
- Affirm your children – Compliment character and achievements, no matter how small.
- Make time for fun family activities – Build bonds through shared experiences and create memories.
- Be patient and quick to forgive – Children will make mistakes. Reflect God’s grace.
- Eat meals together – Conversation around the table builds relationships.
- Say “I’m proud of you” and “I love you” – Children need security of a father’s unconditional acceptance and affection.
- Lead by example in loving their mother – Model respect and sacrifice.
- Don’t exasperate children – Discipline/correct gently and thoughtfully, not harshly.
- Remember every child is unique – Avoid comparing siblings and appreciate individuality.
- Create family traditions and rituals – Infuse family identity and create fond memories.
The role of a godly father cannot be overstated. When carried out according to biblical principles, fathers have tremendous potential to positively influence their children for Christ. While none will be perfect, fathers can look to God’s Word for guidance in parenting with grace, wisdom and love.
