Good or bad, we have all seen examples of fathers in the world around us. God intended for this earthly relationship to help us better understand how we belong to Him. Unfortunately, even the best earthly fathers fall short of our heavenly Father's love for and commitment to us. That is why it is important for us to recognize and be open to the love of the only one who can demonstrate this kind of love: God. In Christ, you belong to God as His loved and cherished child.