Today is a day unlike most others. Our culture, for many years now has set this third Sunday in June aside as “Father’s Day.” It is a day for celebration for many, but for various reasons, it can be a difficult day for many others. Really, this is a microcosm of our lives here upon the Earth, isn’t it? Truly, it is my hope that today is a happy one for everyone, and to our Dad’s we certainly do wish a “Happy Father’s Day,” and we want to honor and thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made and the love that you’ve shared through the years with your children (whether they are now little or if they are adults).
Our culture has tended to attack men and masculinity to one degree or another over the last several years. “Toxic masculinity” has become a phrase that most of us have heard of.
This article is neither meant to defend nor deny the charges that are often thrown about. I can’t help but think that if we lifted true, godly masculinity in contrast to what the world believes manhood to be, then we would not see it as toxic at all. Biblical masculinity is not defined by power, wealth, or dominance, but by godliness—it is shaped by faith, integrity, and sacrificial love. In the Bible, we see countless examples of men who, in the face of adversity, stood firm in their trust in God and emerged as leaders and protectors of their families. Their lives serve as a testament to the kind of masculinity that every father is called to embrace.
Below is a very concise list of some of those fathers. Space and time constrict us here, but certainly there are others that we could think of.
Joseph: Few stories demonstrate unwavering faith in the midst of suffering as powerfully as Joseph’s. Betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph faced adversity at every turn (Genesis 37-50). Yet, he never wavered in his trust in God. Through divine providence, Joseph rose to power in Egypt and became the means by which his family—especially his father Jacob—was saved from famine. His story reminds fathers today that their role as providers is not just material but also spiritual. Like Joseph, fathers are called to trust in God’s plan, even when life seems unfair. His resilience echoes Romans 8:28, which assures us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Noah: In his time, wickedness flooded the world. The Bible says that Noah was blameless in His generation, and he found grace in the eyes of the Lord. In obedience to God’s command, he built an ark despite the prevailing evidence (Genesis 6-9). His faithfulness led to the preservation of his family and ultimately the continuation of mankind. Noah’s story reminds fathers that true masculinity requires obedience to God’s word, even when the world scoffs. As Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Fathers must lead their households with faith, prioritizing God’s commandments over the pressures of culture.
David: David’s life is one of triumph and failure, yet through every season, he remained dependent on God. As a young shepherd, he defeated Goliath with only a sling and a stone, proving that true strength comes from faith, not physical power (1 Samuel 17). Later, when confronted with his own failures as a father and king, David repented, seeking God’s mercy (Psalm 51). His story teaches fathers that strength is not found in perfection but in humility before God. Paul later reflects this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9, reminding us that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
The Bible portrays masculinity not as prideful dominance but as faithful leadership. A godly father provides like Joseph, obeys like Noah, and perseveres like David. He loves sacrificially, protects his family, and leads with humility. As fathers celebrate this special day, may they embrace a masculinity that reflects Christ—the ultimate example of sacrificial love, who laid down His life for us that God may consider Himself our Father.