Remember when the nurse placed your newborn in your arms for the first time? Gazing at this tiny human being, precious and completely helpless, you sensed a weighty responsibility. This child was now yours to care for, feed, clothe, and train up in God’s ways. Whether you have a newborn, a toddler, or even a teenager, God wants you to be the best parent you can be. At our prison ministries, we’re here to support you in that calling.
Here are 5 key Scriptures you need to know about parenting.
Psalm 127:3
“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
This incredible verse teaches us that children are a gift from God. They are a reward for God’s people and a blessing to be desired. Children have the potential to carry the torch of faith as the next leaders, movers, and shakers of the nation. As God’s people, we need to value children and raise godly families.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Our society’s methods of raising children are quite a bit different from God’s ways. If you remove boundaries, discipline, and absolute truth from a child’s life, he or she is more likely to be confused, insecure, and rebellious. These verses from Proverbs remind us that we need God’s wisdom and guidance to train up our children. If we prayerfully study what the Bible has to say about raising children, we can learn how to do it God’s way. Join us at our prison ministries to learn more.
Hebrews 12:11
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
Our society often frowns upon discipline (called chastening in this verse). But discipline is a necessary part of Biblical child training. What is discipline? It’s a structure that provides consequences for actions. Through this, a child learns that proper behavior has positive results and negative behavior has negative results. Just as God lovingly disciplines His children when they disobey, we need to create a structure for a disciplined life for our children from a heart of love. That way, we can help them produce the fruit of righteousness.
Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
According to these verses, God commands children to obey and honour their parents. If they would do so, He promised that they would have success and long life on earth. George Beverly Shea, who lived to the age of 104, credited his long life to honouring and obeying his parents.
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
When you’re a parent, you know how it feels to be exhausted and overwhelmed with responsibilities. When your kids start acting up, it’s easy to snap at them. But, in this verse, God reminds us of the incredible kindness and forgiveness He has shown toward us. As parents, we set the tone of our home. And we need to extend His kindness and forgiveness to our children.
Of these Scriptures you need to know about parenting, which one was your favourite? Which truth could you apply in your family this week?
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