The final characteristic of a father’s leadership in the home is love. One of the most misunderstood, misused, and abused words in the English language is the proverbial “game-changer” when considering a father’s leadership.

Four different Greek words translate as “love” in the English language. We will focus on one for our purposes. Love seeks the highest good of someone else, putting their needs above our own (BDAG 2000).

When children see this kind of love in their father, following is an easier step. Consider the following:

First is a love for God. When fathers demonstrate love, they emulate who God is and provide a needed example for their family.

Second is a love for the children’s mother. One of the greatest gifts a father can give his children is to love their mother. Paul illustrated this as an example of Christ and His church (Ep. 5:25).

Third, a father’s leadership also involves a love that disciplines, a discipline that understands the value of training/teaching as well as punishment/consequences.

A father’s leadership is key to the health of the home and future of his children.