Top Five Bible Lessons On Parenting
Parenting can be a challenging journey. Finding advice and guidance is a necessity. Thankfully, the Bible is full of tips for parents. Although this post only scratches the surface, here are the top five Bible lessons on parenting.
Take Responsibility to Teach
The Bible is clear that parents are to be actively involved in teaching their children about God, His ways, and His expectations. Deuteronomy 6:7 states: “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Give Time to Listen
The Bible encourages parents to listen to and understand their children, rather than merely issuing orders. James 1:19 states this plainly. “19 My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Listening plays a crucial role in any parents ability to instruct. We need to hear our children and understand them better if we will guide them well.
Discipline with Love
The Bible teaches that discipline should be done in love, not out of anger. Proverbs 13:24 states: “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” Discipline is a necessary part of life. Without boundaries or consequences, we can find ourselves in all sorts of trouble. The important thing to remember here is this: let love motivate your discipline. Any other motivator fails to accomplish the purpose of godly discipline.
Encourage Your Children Often
The Bible encourages parents to be encouraging and supportive of their children. Ephesians 6:4 says: “Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” God’s mercy is new every morning. Despite our own constant need for course correction, God leads us with kindness and compassion. Encouragement your children as they learn and grow.
Model Respectful Behavior
In the same passage, Paul writes, “Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land (Eph 6:2-3, CSB). We expect respect from our children. But who do we expect to teach them respectful behavior? Just as Jesus teaches us to do unto others as we would have others do unto us, we must treat our children respectfully if we expect them to show us respect.
Conclusion
As you journey through parenthood, remember these simple yet powerful lessons from the Bible. Take responsibility to teach your children. Listen well. Discipline with love. Offer encouragement often. And model the respectful behavior you expect in return. These keys guide you toward nurturing your children with care. By following these teachings, you can build strong bonds, create a loving home, and guide your children on a path of faith and understanding.
