March 25, 2026

The God Who Lets You Call Him “Dad” – March 25, 2026

3 minutes

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260325fam.mp3

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Read: Romans 8:11-19

And by him we cry, “Abba, Father. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Romans 8:15,17

The God Who Lets You Call Him “Dad”

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

How big is God? Think about it for a moment. God describes himself as filling the whole universe. That means He is everywhere—here with you right now, across the world in China, and even up on the moon. All of God is in all those places at the same time!

And how far does God’s “bigness” extend? Listen to this amazing part: “And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” “Abba” is an old (Aramaic) word that means, “Dad.” So, a little child would say, “Abba, Abba,” just like little kids would say, “Daddy, Daddy!”

Can you imagine it? The holy, all-powerful God looks at you and says, “I want you to talk to me, and you can call me ‘Dad.’” Not “All-Powerful One.” Not “O Amazing One.” Instead, he says, “You get to call me ‘Dad.’” That’s amazing!

Why can we do that? Because God adopted us into his family. He sent Jesus to become our brother. But we weren’t perfect brothers and sisters—we were sinful, selfish, and made wrong choices. So Jesus our brother did what we couldn’t do—he went to the cross to pay for all our sins.

The result? Listen: “We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). An “heir” (not “hair”!) is someone who inherits things from their parents. That means one day, we will share in the same wonderful life that Jesus has with God forever. What an incredible act of mercy! God loves us so much and he lets us call him “Dad.” What a gracious God we have!

Prayer:

Father in heaven, thank you for making me your child. Help me to speak with you daily in prayer. Lead me to look forward to the glorious inheritance awaiting me in heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

What special name does God say we can call him?

If God is big enough to be everywhere, do you think he can hear you when you talk to him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What does it mean that God is everywhere at the same time? Why does that make you feel safe or happy?

Why do you think God wants us to call him “Abba” or “Dad” instead of something scary or far away?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How can God be so big (filling the universe) and still be close enough to hear us call out, “Abba, Father”?

What does it mean that we are God’s children and “co-heirs with Christ”? How does that change the way you see yourself and God?

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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