8 Practical Tips for Raising Children Who Love Jesus
In today's world, instilling strong belief in our children is more important than ever. As parents, we play a critical role in nurturing our kids’ faith and guiding them on the path to a deep and lasting relationship with Jesus. But parenting is difficult on its own, and the added urgency of ensuring our children’s faith can make the task feel overwhelming. So, how do we ensure our kids are set up for spiritual success?
Let’s explore seven practical tips for raising children who not only know about Jesus but truly love Him.
Tip #1: Make Prayer a Priority
Prayer is the cornerstone of a strong Christian life. When parents make prayer a regular part of their lives, it has a profound impact on their children. Kids learn by example, so letting them see you pray regularly sets a powerful precedent. Here are some ways to make prayer a priority in your family’s life:
Engage in regular private prayer: Your kids will see you praying and will remember it forever.
Schedule family prayer: Whether it’s before bedtime or meals, this welcomes kids into the practice of regular prayer and allows you to teach them how to pray.
Make prayer a solution: Whether it’s in response to crisis or a solution to a problem they’re facing, show kids that prayer and faith have amazing results.
Attend corporate prayer: Allow your kids to see that praying with others is essential to the goals of the kingdom.
When you make prayer a priority, it not only strengthens your faith, but also teaches your kids the importance of turning to God in times of both joy and difficulty, and you'll witness them growing closer to Jesus.
Tip #2: Study Scripture with Them
Introducing your children to God's Word is a gift that will last a lifetime. It’s a great practice to establish a routine of regular family Bible study, where you read and discuss passages together. Teach kids how to read and interpret scripture and show them that God’s word offers guidance and wisdom for everyday life.
When your children have questions or face challenges, go to the Bible to find answers and share relevant verses. Studying scripture helps them know God more intimately and equips them to navigate life with the spiritual tools they need.
“Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ”
Tip #3: Model Ministry
As parents, our actions speak louder than words. That’s why regularly engaging in ministry activities, such as volunteering at church or in the community, sends a powerful message to your children. It demonstrates your commitment to working in God's kingdom and shows them the importance of serving others.
Encourage your children to participate in their own age-appropriate ministry activities too. Involving them fosters a sense of personal connection to God's work, opens the door to friendships with other believers, and helps them to feel like they belong in the church community.
Tip #4: Give as a Family
Generosity is a fundamental aspect of being a Christian. Teach your children the joy of giving by involving them in family giving decisions. Explain how your financial contributions support the church’s mission, charities, and those in need.
You can even encourage kids to contribute a portion of their allowance or savings to a cause of their choice. This experience will help them understand that giving is not just a duty but a joyful act of love and obedience that has eternal rewards.
Tip #5: Make Kids a Priority
Christian families often find themselves busy with ministry and church events. In the midst of these activities, it's easy for children to feel neglected or forgotten. That’s why it's crucial to strike a balance by making your family a top priority.
Spend regular quality time with your kids, engage in meaningful conversations, and be present in their lives. Show them that they matter and are a priority, and they won’t fall through the spiritual cracks.
Tip #6: Be Joyful
Joy is contagious. Demonstrate a joyful spirit in your daily life, even in challenging circumstances. Let your children see that your faith brings you genuine happiness and contentment. When they witness your joy, they'll be more inclined to embrace faith themselves.
You can start by sharing your testimony with them and telling them stories of God's goodness, faithfulness, and blessings in your life. This will encourage your children to find joy in their own lives and in their relationship with Jesus.
Tip #7: Encourage Them to Pursue Their Own Relationship with God
While it's essential to guide your children in their faith journey, it's equally vital to give them space to develop their personal relationship with God. Encourage them to pray independently, read the Bible on their own, and ask questions about their faith. Provide guidance and support, but allow them to explore and grow spiritually at their own pace.
Tip #8: Show Them Love at All times
Love is the foundation of Christianity, and it’s the foundation of our families as well. While we may feel that we love our children unconditionally, they may not always feel that love.
Kids make mistakes and poor decisions, and they even flat-out rebel at times, which can be a difficult terrain for a Christian parent to navigate. It’s our natural inclination to respond with anger and frustration, but we must ensure that our response is always love — unconditional love.
Demonstrating that we love our children no matter what sets the stage for them to understand God's love for them. Like Paul said:
“[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. ”
Show your kids consistent affection, forgiveness, and patience. Be quick to apologize when you make mistakes, and teach them the value of forgiveness and reconciliation. Your love will mirror the love and grace that God has shown all of us!
Lead Children By Example
Raising children who love Jesus is a rewarding but challenging journey. We know that they are the future of the church and we desperately want to see them grow into believers with strong faith. But sometimes it feels like we are fighting a battle on all sides when protecting our children from the influences of the world.
Remember, though, that our best weapon in the fight for our children is our own faith. By prioritizing our own relationships with Jesus, our kids will witness truth, dedication, and love. This will ultimately help our kids grow in their own faith and experience the love of Jesus in their own lives!
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”