Today's Verse: Ephesians 6:4

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
— Ephesians 6:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Mothers have such an inside road with children that it is interesting that God commands fathers to be about the work of spiritual nurture. I don't believe he means to exclude mothers. No, I think he assumes they'll do their part. But the father's influence and intentional training is so essential.

My Prayer...

Abba Father, may my children come to find you in me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

27 Related Resources by Heartlight

Ephesians 6:4
Devo: Today's Verse
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
Parenting 101
Illustration of Ephesians 6:4
Fathers...bring them up in the nuture and correction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
A Lesson in Priorities
Article by Rubel Shelly
Would you have had the courage to make this right choice? A coach's first responsibility is to coach his own son!
Fathers Know a Secret
Article by Bill Denton
What do dads know that no one else seems to appreciate? Dads know the secret: they have incredible influence over their kids.
See All 27 Related Resources about Ephesians 6:4

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 6:4 — Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, June 18, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Who Can Argue with These Qualities?'
"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Be Brave Because the Lord Is on Our Side'
"Be brave and confident! There's no reason to be afraid of King Sennacherib and his powerful army. We are much more powerful, because the Lord our..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Make a Joyful Symphony' (Ps. 98:5)
"Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. Make a joyful symphony..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 12:8
"A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse