Fathers are very special, so special that they are mentioned in the Bible.  Since the Bible is like an instruction manual for us, it gives us instructions on how to treat our father.

One of the commandments says: Honor your father and you mother, so that all may go well for you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.

When we listen, obey, love, appreciate, and forgive our dad that is how we honor him.  That means when he asks you to do something you should do it right away without complaining.

When you show you love your dad by hugging him and telling him that you love him that's another way to honor him.  You can also appreciate your dad by thanking him when he does things for you (driving you to soccer practice or music lessons, etc.).

Our dads won't be perfect all the time, we all make mistakes.  So we should forgive our dads when they make mistakes because God asks us too.

Some other verses in the Bible tell us to listen to our father's instruction and by doing this you will learn to have discipline and understanding.  That means that when your dad gives you advice or warns you about something it’s important to listen.  Your dad was a kid once too and knows lots of stuff because they have lived longer than us.

So if your dad asks you to hold his hand when you cross the street its because he knows it can be dangerous because of all the cars.  It's also why sometimes dads have to say "no" to things.  If your parents always let you do everything you want you would never get any sleep and eat lots of candy, but our dads know that isn't healthy for you.

The last verse we're going to talk about today says: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.  I know that sometimes you don't always want to obey your parents but it’s important that you obey them because it makes God happy!

One last thing:  No matter how old you get your dad is your dad.  Sometimes you might think that you can talk back to our parents or that you know more than them, but you don't.  The Bible says to obey your parents always, not just when you’re a kid.  Your parents want the best for you and know what they're talking about.

And most important, don't forget that we also have a heavenly father that cares and loves us no matter what.  So if you don't have a father around all the time (or even if you do) God is the father of all fathers.  He is there when our father can't be.