The Bible isn’t a how-to manual, yet it’s packed with parenting principles for nurturing and guiding children. Here are ten essential parenting principles in the Bible:
God is with you.
You don’t parent alone. When your life is in God’s hands, He’s in your corner to consult, counsel, care for you, and cheer you on. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:20.
You need God’s power.
All the resources you need, the grace, strength and wisdom to be a good parent, come from God. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” 2 Timothy 1:7.
Prayer is your lifeline.
There’s simply no way you can survive as a parent without prayer. Take everything to the Lord in prayer. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” Hebrews 11:6.
God’s Word is crucial.
Teaching children God’s Word is a non-negotiable, non-transferable, 24/7 parenting responsibility. “Impress them (the Scriptures) 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” Deuteronomy 6:7.
Build walls and open doors.
Boundaries must be set and maintained. Good things don’t stay in without limits, and bad things get in without limits. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:2.
You can’t survive without grace and forgiveness.
You and your children need grace and forgiveness. Give and receive it extravagantly and constantly. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” Ephesians 4:32.
Submit to one another.
If husbands and wives don’t submit to each other and children don’t submit to their parents, the result is strife, division, lawlessness, and disorder. Children learn to obey God by first learning to obey their parents. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” Ephesians 5:21.
Contend for truth.
There are two outlooks on life competing for the hearts of you and your children: the secular and biblical worldviews. These worldviews shape your family’s vision, values, attitudes, decisions and actions. Choose who you will serve. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” Matthew 6:24.
See parenting as a lifelong process.
Take the long view. Parenting is a lifelong process, graduating through grandparenting and great-grandparenting. “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” Deuteronomy 4:9.
Be Jesus-centered!
Who should parents and children know and love? Jesus. Who should parents and children imitate? Jesus. Who should be # 1 in the home? Jesus. Who should the family reflect to the world at large? Jesus. “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15.
There are many more parenting principles in the Bible. For the benefit of others, please share in the comments below.
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Summary
Are you wondering what the Bible says about parenting? The Bible offers powerful parenting principles, including relying on God’s presence, power, and prayer, teaching children Scripture, setting boundaries, modelling grace and forgiveness, and centring the family on Jesus. These biblical truths help families navigate life’s challenges with faith. Discover parenting tips from the Bible to nurture and guide your children.
© Scripture Union, 2024
2 Responses
Set standards and high goals for character and academic expectations and watch them grow into it. Non setting of standards limit the scope of their performance as well as abilities.
Involve them in kingdom activities at an early age such as sanctuary cleaning, singing and playing instruments, evangelism etc. In fact, get them involved in most of the Christian activities you are engaged in.
I am Kedema Abdissa from Ethiopia. By profession I’m an English language teacher and at the same time I’m a director of our children’s ministry. Thank you for sharing your experience and resources, and for supporting me in ministry.