Children are a blessing. The Bible says so explicitly in Psalm 127:3: “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him” (NLT). As Christians, we recognize that every good blessing from God ought to be stewarded with care and in a way that brings honor to God. Therefore, parenting is important and it is worth reflecting on how we can parent our children in the light of the knowledge that they are a gift bestowed upon us from God.
My wife and I have often joked about how there is no “step-by-step how-to guide” when it comes to parenting. A lot of parenting is improvised, and we just have to hope it all works out for the best. However, while there is no universal parent manual…we do have wonderful principles laid out for us in Scripture that offer great insight and guidance into the role of parenthood. Let’s look at some of these together.
1. Love
In 1 John 3:1 we read, “See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are!” (NLT).
Parenting and love go hand in hand. The Bible says that it is out of love that the Father calls us children, and it is from His heart of love that He tells us to call Him Father.
As parents, we may goof up a lot of things, but if we are always acting from a foundation of love, that love will cover and outweigh our mistakes. Tell your kids you love them every day, and show them with your actions.
2. Presence
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus tells us that He “is always with us, even to the end of the age” (NLT). To show up for your children is crucial. To make time for them. To be attentive to them.
Showing up for the big things—baseball games, dance recitals, art shows, band performances—is usually what comes to mind, and it is important to make time for these types of events. But showing up in the small things is even more impactful. Playing games together at home, going to the park after school, listening to them talk about their day around the dinner table—these ways of being present make a lasting difference.
In our modern culture, this means, as parents, we cannot have our heads buried in our phones. The best way to be present happens in the day to day, with eye contact and attention. Be careful that you give your children more focus than your screens.
3. Teaching
The Bible talks about how parents role model and teach the faith to their children. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 we read, “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” (NLT).
Make time daily to pray with your children, read Bible verses with them, and offer testimony to God’s goodness from your own life and walk with Jesus. This last part deserves particular emphasis. Let your children know how God is real and working in your life.
The hope is your children will never remember a time before they heard about Jesus, because your witness to the faith so saturated your home.
4. Guidance and Direction
God is our Good Shepherd (Psalm 23:1) and He guides us as His children through all of life’s ups and downs. He offers instruction, correction, encouragement, and rebuke when necessary.
As parents we also have a responsibility to shepherd our children. To encourage them with our support, to endow them with wisdom and life skills, to correct and discipline when their behavior gets unruly.
We use the shepherd’s staff to protect, guide, and lovingly discipline.
It is not always easy to be a parent, but it is always a blessing. Remember that your children are a gift from God and be thankful that you get to daily pour love into them.
A Prayer for My Children
God, thank You for my children. They are precious and a great joy to our lives. Let me and my spouse lead our children in godly paths, let us role model for them what genuine faithfulness looks like, and let us be present, loving, and encouraging to them each and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
