Relationships with Children
Raising children is a profound responsibility, and the Bible offers guidance that blends love, discipline, and faith. Proverbs 22:6 ESV reminds us to "train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." This verse encourages us to guide our children, instilling values and morals that will shape their lives. This means spending quality time with them and having them help in various activities and chores to help make the family become a functionating unit. Show them how to do things. Reason with them why things are done. Teach them how to act when diversity happens. Teach them how to manage their money. Discipline is an essential part of this guidance.
Proverbs 13:24 NIV tells us that “whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” This verse highlights that discipline, when administered with love, serves as a guiding force to help children grow in wisdom and character. It's crucial to understand that physical discipline, such as spanking, should be reserved solely for instances of deliberate rebellion and never used in response to mistakes that may frustrate parents or guardians. Instead, both parents and children should view mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Teaching children to say, 'I'm sorry,' and modeling this behavior ourselves when we're in the wrong, fosters an environment of humility and forgiveness. Recognizing our human fallibility allows us to demonstrate that seeking forgiveness is a natural and necessary part of life. Above all, children must feel safe and assured that they will never be subjected to physical punishment inflicted out of anger."
Discipline should always be balanced with love and patience. Ephesians 6:4 NIV reminds us, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." This means we should guide our children with patience, helping them grow without causing frustration. Colossians 3:21 NIV also warns, "Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." As parents, it’s important to create a loving and supportive environment where our children feel safe and valued. Our role as earthly parents is crucial because it reflects the loving relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. By showing love and patience, we help our children understand God’s love for them.
Teaching our children about faith is another crucial aspect of parenting. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV urges us to keep God’s commandments close to our hearts and to "impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." By integrating faith into daily life, we help our children build a strong spiritual foundation. Psalm 78:4 NIV also emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge of God’s works to the next generation, ensuring that they grow up with an awareness of His power and love.
Respect and obedience are key values that the Bible encourages us to instill in our children. Exodus 20:12 NIV commands, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV echoes this, instructing children to obey and honor their parents, linking this behavior to a promise of blessings and well-being.
Finally, the Bible reminds us of the joy and pride that children bring to our lives. Proverbs 17:6 NIV says, "Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." This verse highlights the loving and supportive relationships that should characterize our families.
The Bible calls us to raise our children with a balance of discipline, love, and faith. By guiding them with patience and teaching them about God, we lay the groundwork for them to grow into wise, faithful adults. Let us strive to create a home where love and faith flourish, trusting that our efforts will bear fruit in the lives of our children.