By Shawn McMullen

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).

Whether we grew up (or are growing up) with biological parents, foster parents, or adoptive parents—or are waiting for a place to call home—all believers in Christ share in a unique and wonderful relationship; we’re children of God. As God’s children, we’re loved in unique ways by our perfect heavenly Father.

Our heavenly Father is the perfect provider. Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26). Our heavenly Father not only knows what we need, he perfectly provides for our needs.

Our heavenly Father is the perfect protector. Before he went to the cross Jesus prayed for the Twelve, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name” (John 17:11).

Later he added, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” (v. 20). Children of God are protected by the power of his name. There is no greater power—or protection—under which we can rest.

Our heavenly Father is the perfect pardoner. Some fathers are gracious. Others are hard to please. Our heavenly Father, however, is perfectly compassionate. Even as we’re called to practice mercy and forgiveness, we’re reminded that we have been forgiven completely by our heavenly Father. Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

Paul adds, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

No matter the kind of earthly father we’ve known, all of us who are in Christ are loved perfectly by our perfect Father in Heaven.