God was a Father long before He created fathers.

If there is anything we should take from the perspective of Jesus, it is that God wants us to see Him as a Father. When Jesus spoke about God, He almost always referred to Him with such an intimate term. Father probably has as much disdain for religion as we do. Religion is no substitute for relationship, and is clear that He prefers one instead of the other.

“When you pray say, ‘Father…’” Jesus “Conversations Within” ts 2/3/2018