Area of life
Parenting
Raising children who know they are loved by God.
God might be speaking to you here if
- you shout more than you want to and feel guilty afterwards
- you are with your kids but your mind is on your phone
- you have never prayed with your child out loud
- you are worried about who your child is becoming
What this is
Children are a gift from God. Your job is not to make them perfect but to show them who God is: someone who loves, teaches, sets boundaries and forgives.
Faith is passed on mostly in ordinary moments: at the table, in the car, at bedtime. Children learn more from how you handle your mistakes than from your words.
Discipline is meant to train, not crush. If you fear you might hurt your child, get help today. That is brave and right.
My verses
These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.
Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
Where to next
- Kneel to their eye levelWhen you correct or comfort your child, get down to their height and look at them. Your tone softens.
- Say sorry to your childWhen you get it wrong, say: I was wrong to shout. I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?
- Bless them at bedtimePut a hand on their head and say a one-sentence blessing or prayer, most nights.
- Read one short Bible storyRead a children's Bible or a Gospel together for a few minutes. Ask: What does this show us about God?
- Put your phone away at mealsMake the table phone-free for everyone, you included. Ask each child one question about their day.
What grows here
Pray
Father, these children are Yours before they are mine. Give me patience, wisdom and a gentle voice. Help them see Your love in me, even on my bad days.