Home in the Father’s Arms

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” — Romans 8:15

Why don’t eggs tell jokes? They’d crack each other up. Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, but no atmosphere. These are just two examples of classic dad jokes, you know, the ones that are usually cheesy, a little embarrassing, and followed by an eye roll. These jokes only work inside of relationship. They remind us that we belong to family. 

Money doesn’t grow on trees. Because I said so. Don’t make me come in there. Ask your mother. Do any of these sayings take you back to your childhood? These classic dad sayings teach life wisdom, show love and care, create belonging, and often make sense later. They become part of family culture. 

As we have seen over the past seven weeks, in Scripture, God reveals Himself with many powerful names—Elohim. Jehovah Jireh, El Roi, Hiding Place, Yahweh, to name a few. Yet one of the most personal names He invites us to use is Abba. The word Abba is an Aramaic, intimate term meaning "father" or "papa," similar to “dad” or "daddy." It reflects closeness, trust, and belonging, as well as a loving relationship with God. 

What comes to mind when you hear the word, father? Maybe you had a loving and involved father who you would say was a great dad. But perhaps your earthly father was absent or abusive or, quite honestly, terrible. Regardless of how great or bad your earthly father was, the heavenly Father doesn’t even compare. He is the only one who knows how to father us perfectly. He fills all the voids left by earthly fathers. He truly is the Good Father, and He wants what is best for each of us. 

God the Father loves us beyond what we can imagine, and out of that love, He created us and established a relationship with us. But, due to sin, that relationship option with mankind was broken. Only through Jesus are we forgiven and adopted into God’s family. Adoption makes it possible for our relationship with God to be based on belonging rather than performance. We cannot do it on our own. We do not earn a place with Him. We are gifted it. Because of this, we can live honestly before God in every moment, those that bring joy, when we are confused or afraid, or when we are hurting and struggling. We become part of His family. 

When Jesus was facing the cross in Mark 14, he went to the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed, crying out in verse 36, “Abba, Father”. Even in His deepest anguish, Jesus leaned into the loving relationship He had with the Father. This exemplified Jesus’ tender, personal relationship with the Father and His surrender to the Father’s will.

Some people view God as distant, disappointed, critical, or harsh, but the truth is that God welcomes us like a loving father who delights in His children, much like dads share their infamous dad jokes. He listens when we speak. He cares about our burdens. He provides guidance, correction, protection, and love. Much like when earthly fathers offer those classic sayings we read earlier. 

When we understand God as Abba Father, our lives take on new meaning. We begin to approach God with comfort and ease, as a child does with a loving parent.  We see and trust His guidance in both life’s uncertainties and when things seem easy and smooth. We begin to better understand His love for us, helping us gain purpose and perspective. All of these actions move us to a loving relationship with Him. 

Here is the really good news for us: God does not expect perfection. He does not require a certain level of performance in order to become and remain in His family. Our relationship with Him is built on grace and unconditional love. We did not choose God and place ourselves in His family. He chose us! He places us in His family where we are at home in His arms! He is our Good, Loving Father!

Call to Action

Approach God personally. Spend time in prayer, addressing Him as “Father.” He is a near and approachable Father. Look for Him in His Word, too. See the Digging Deeper section below.

Be open and honest with Him. Share your fears, needs, and struggles with Him. He cares and loves you deeply, and He wants to guide, comfort, and provide for you.

Remind yourself that you belong to God, and then live like it. As a believer, you have been adopted into the family of God. You belong to God as His child, and He loves you as a Father.

Trust His care. Just as a loving father provides for his children, trust that God is working for your good. Turn those areas of doubt or control over to Him.

Digging Deeper

Read these verses on characteristics of God the Father: Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 18:2, Zephaniah 3:17, Matthew 6:28-30, Romans 5:5, Colossians 1:13, Hebrews 12:6-7, 1 John 4:7-8

Check out these verses on being part of the family of God: Ephesians 2:19, 1 John 3:1, Romans 8:16-17, Galatians 3:26, 

Prayer
Abba Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family. Thank You that I can come to You as Your child. Help me trust Your love, rest in Your care, and walk closely with You each day. 

Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens