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4. Love and Respect Your Wife
The way a father exercises his role as a husband is certain to affect children. One group of experts on child develop-
ment explains: “One of the best things a father can do for his children is to respect their mother. . . . A father and
mother who respect each other and let their children know it provide a secure environment for them.”—The Im-
portance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children. *
Bible Principle: “Husbands, continue loving your wives . . . Let each one of you individually so love his wife as he does
himself.”—Ephesians 5:25, 33.
5. Apply God’s Practical Wisdom
Fathers who have heartfelt love for God can give their children a most precious heritage—an intimate relationship with
their heavenly Father.
After decades of hard work raising six children, Antonio, received the following note from one of his daughters: “Dear
Dad, I just wanted to thank you for raising me to love God, my neighbor, and myself—that is, to be a well-rounded
individual. You showed me that you love God and that you care about me personally. Thank you, Dad, for putting God
first in your life and for treating your children as gifts from God!”
Bible Principle: “You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your vital force. And these
words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart.”—Deuteronomy 6:5, 6.
It is obvious that there is more involved in fatherhood than these five points and that, realistically, even when you try
your best to be a good father, you are not going to be a perfect one. But to the extent that you apply these principles in
a loving and balanced way, you really can be a good father. *
Written by JW
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