Father's Day: The Compassion & Forgiveness of our Heavenly Father

Father's Day Message 2025
Small Group Discussion Guide


Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we gather here today to explore the profound role of fathers and how we can embody Your love and wisdom in our lives. Guide our discussion, fill us with compassion, and help us to see through Your eyes. Amen.

Scripture Readings:

1. James 1:27 - Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

2. Psalm 68:5 - God in his holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows.

3. Luke 15:11-24 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son.

4. Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.

Discussion Topics and Questions:

1. The Importance of Fathers:
   - Discuss the statistical impacts fathers have on their children as presented in the sermon.
   - How do these insights change your perception of fatherhood?

2. The Prodigal Son:
   - Reflect on the father's response to the return of his son. What does this teach us about forgiveness and compassion?
   - How can we apply the father's example of patience and love in our own relationships?

3. Challenges in Fatherhood:
   - Identify some of the "Devil's tools" mentioned that hinder Godly fatherhood (pride, emotional unavailability, control, unforgiving heart, poor biblical trainer, work).
   - Share personal experiences where these challenges have manifested and discuss ways to overcome them.

4. Spiritual Training:
   - Discuss the balance between sports or other activities and biblical training. How can fathers ensure that their children are rooted in faith?
   - What does it mean to point children toward their Savior rather than just offering solutions?

5. Adoption into God’s Family:
   - Reflect on God's choice to adopt us into His family. How does this understanding shape our identity and actions?
   - How can this spiritual adoption influence our earthly relationships, particularly in

Follow-Up Exercise:

- For Individuals: Throughout the week, commit to one specific action that aligns with a characteristic of Godly fatherhood (e.g., being emotionally available, exhibiting compassion).
 
- For Families: Plan a family activity that focuses on spiritual growth, like a weekly family devotion or prayer time.

Closing Prayer:

Loving Father, thank You for the wisdom shared today and the insights gained from Your word. Help us to carry these truths into our lives, transforming our hearts and actions. May we reflect Your love and compassion in all our relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen._