Becoming a parent allows one to carry so much unconditional love for the children. Yet, with this unconditional love comes great responsibility for providing the kids a nourishing upbringing as they grow and develop emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
As much as children are blessings from God, so is being a parent. However, that does not mean it is a role that is easy or has zero obstacles and challenges. The opposite is actually what it is. Parents, the new ones and even the old, continually need guidance and support.
Gentle Christian Parenting states that the most important role of parents is to be good stewards of the children God has blessed them with and placed into their care.
Thus, nothing can give superb enlightenment, direction, and instruction than the words of the One who gifted parents with their kids.
Bible verses for parenting
Woman's Day gathered Bible verses that will provide guidance and remind parents that God loves their children dearly and will protect them as fiercely as any parent would. Moreover, they will give parents clarity and inspiration to remind their kids of their duty to God.
As editorial assistant Elizabeth Berry stated, God knows that parenting is no small feat; thus, He has given these passages to help parents overcome the harder days and be filled with love and grace on better days.
1. "I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are living according to the truth." - 3 John 1:4
Parents spend their whole lives hoping and praying that their children live not according to the truth of the world but based on the truth of God. God has the same hope.
2. "Before I created you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart; I made you a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5
The fear of not knowing what will happen to their children in the future is instilled in every parent. Thus, God comforts them through this verse, saying that from the very start, He holds the children special and set them apart, already having a purpose and plan for them.
3. "My bones weren't hidden from you when I was being put together in a secret place, when I was being woven together in the deep parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my embryo, and on your scroll every day was written that was being formed for me, before any one of them had yet happened." - Psalm 139: 15-16
Like what was said in number two, God already has an "overarching plan" for every child, and this is all parents need to hold on to in life to fight off their fears and worries.
4. "Parents, don't provoke your children in a way that ends up discouraging them." - Colossians 3:21
Children are innocent and wonderful, but they're also easily influenced, especially by their parents. Thus, do not be the discourager of the kids but their source of encouragement. Their role model in seeing the hope and love they need in this world.
5. "Can a woman forget her nursing child, fail to pity the child of her womb? Even these may forget, but I won't forget you. Look, on my palms I've inscribed you; your walls are before me continually." - Isaiah 49:15-16
A parent will never forget their child. How much more, God? There will never be a time that a child or a parent becomes hopeless.
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6."When a woman gives birth, she has pain because her time has come. But when the child is born, she no longer remembers her distress because of her joy that a child has been born into the world." - John 16:21
Childbirth is excruciating, but it is all worth it, especially after the little fingers of her baby hold onto her hands. A mother's joy will always overcome the pain.
7. "But be on guard and watch yourselves closely so that you don't forget the things your eyes saw and so they never leave your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren." - Deuteronomy 4:9
Children will learn many things in school, but some of the many things they will hold onto their hearts and minds are those they have learned and witnessed from their parents. Thus, parents must teach their children well and live a life they can learn from.
8. "Be careful that you don't look down on one of these little ones. I say to you that their angels in heaven are always looking into the face of my Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 18:20
Do not belittle children or take them for granted, as they are the future generation. They have roles given by God to impact society and make it a better place.
9. "In your house, your wife will be like a vine full of fruit. All around your table, your children will be like olive trees, freshly planted." - Psalm 128:3
The kids will grow in some way every moment of every day. Thus, parents need to be present and enjoy the moments of them clinging onto and needing their parents because one day, they will grow up and have a life of their own.
10. "From the mouths of nursing babies you have laid a strong foundation because of your foes, in order to stop vengeful enemies." - Psalms 8:2
Learn from children as they wholeheartedly sing praises to God and fearlessly share His goodness. Do what they boldly do because it is a powerful way to defeat temptations, sinning, and making wrong choices and a beautiful way to be grateful to the Lord.
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