Childhood #3 – The Importance of Experiencing the Father
The Childhood stage of discipleship is characterised by the apostle John in 1 John 2:12–14 where in verse 14 he writes: “I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father.”
What a statement — rich, simple, and deeply powerful.
There are many layers within these words. When we reflect on the natural relationship between children and their parents, we recognise that this relationship is profoundly relational. While it is not always positive in every family, there is almost always a deep “knowing” that comes from experience.
Children know their parents because they live with them. They observe them. They interact with them. They experience them.
This picture helps us understand the spiritual relationship offered to us by our heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus.
And it is this element of experiencing Father God that John is describing here.
If we are young in our faith — in the Childhood stage of discipleship — then the critical element of this season is learning to know the Father. Not merely knowing about Him, but experiencing Him as Father.
A child experiences their parents over time and gradually forms opinions about them. They learn whether their parents are loving. Whether they are trustworthy. Whether they are faithful to their promises.
This process is natural and intuitive. It comes through experience.
In the same way, we come to know Father God.
This knowing is not primarily intellectual. It is not simply agreeing that the Bible is true or affirming correct doctrine. Those things are important, but they are not the heart of this stage.
Spiritual childhood is experiential.
It is where we begin to discover that God is faithful because we experience His faithfulness. We learn that He is our provider because we see His provision. We recognise His protection, His guidance, His peace, and His strength — not just as theological concepts, but as lived realities.
But for this to occur, we must engage with Him.
We must experience the Father.
This requires relationship.
It requires exploration.
It requires faith.
We step forward trusting His Word. We ask questions. We test our understanding in the reality of daily life.
Will God be true to His promises?
Did He really say that to me?
Can I trust Him to come through?
These are not signs of weak faith. They are part of the growth process.
Through these experiences — sometimes through uncertainty, sometimes through challenge — our confidence in our heavenly Father grows. And all of this development takes place in the context of relationship.
Not clinical.
Relational.
Spiritual childhood is where believers begin to discover that God is not distant. He is present, attentive, and actively involved as Father.
Reflection
Do I primarily know God intellectually, or have I experienced Him personally as Father?
What experiences in my life have revealed God's faithfulness to me?
Am I creating space in my life to encounter God, or simply learning information about Him?
As a disciple-maker, am I helping others experience the Father, or only teaching them about Him?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You that You invite us into relationship with You.
Thank You that through Jesus we are not only forgiven, but welcomed as Your children.
Help me to know You more deeply — not only in understanding, but in experience.
Teach me to trust Your promises, to rely on Your provision, and to recognise Your presence in my life.
And as I help disciple others, give me wisdom to guide them toward experiencing You as Father.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Call to Action
This week, intentionally look for ways to experience the Father.
When you read Scripture, ask: What does this reveal about the Father's heart?
When you pray, speak to Him as Father and listen for His guidance.
In your discipleship of others, ask them to share a recent moment where they experienced God at work in their life.
Spiritual childhood grows strongest where relationship with the Father becomes real and personal.
This blog was written by Richard Botta.
