"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." (John 20:17, emphasis mine)
I believe that if we truly knew and therefore walked in this knowledge that God is our Father, it would change our world. Not just "the world at large" but our own little world. The one in which He and you dwell together. The one in which no one else is allowed. Like "thy closet" (Matthew 6:6) but the size of a planet or something. One on which you and he walk around in love with one another.
"For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren." (Hebrews 2:11)
The Latin phrase in loco parentis means "in the place of a parent". There's a reason Jesus puts His finger on the bond between parent and child. "Call no man your father upon the earth" (Matthew 23:9) is a stark statement that for all intents and purposes--depending on how close you are or were--would look to create a void that cannot be filled. I acknowledge that both parents did what they could. But when once a person would come to Jesus for themselves (in the truest sense of the phrase), all earthly ties must be severed on a spiritual level. I believe everyone's parents do the best they can. I have ebbed and flowed through that statement regarding both my mom and my dad but now I hold to it. And I hold nothing against either of them. But without realizing that God is my Father and that without Christ doing what He did to reunite us, I would not and could not become all I was meant to be.
"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." (Psalm 27:10)
I had once this image of God sitting on the couch. Behind him was the picture window, blinds closed. It was day and I assume a bustling neighborhood (different than mine) outside. All about him was an unassuming patriarchal air. Were I to focus in on detail I suppose I could see his shirtsleeves rolled up and his collar open. Having just come home from work, he was simply relaxing. Ready for questions or concerns or just personal time. This is God the father. And because of what Jesus did by coming and living and dying for us, we have now this bond upon believing.
"Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which Thou hast given me: for Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." (John 17:24)