Does the Bible Have Anything to Say about Parenting?

Each one of us of us was born into a family, but not all of us know the beauty of a Christian family. Some of us were raised in homes that were healthy, loving and centered on Christ, and some of us were raised in broken homes or broken situations where we experienced more pain and sadness than joy. Regardless of our past, we are free and equipped to set the tone for our family and raise our children up in a Godly environment.

At the center of God’s plan for humanity is the concept of family, and as such we have the responsibility to parent well. Jesus himself was born into a family, and regularly compared the Church to a family. In Romans 8:17, Paul refers to us as “co-heirs” with Christ, and in Galatians 3:26 we are called children of God. God is regularly referred to in Scripture as our father.

Essentially, God, as our Father, has created families as a means to teach children how they should live in him, and he equips us through his word to parent effectively and consistently.  

What Does the Bible Say about Parenting?

From the best to the worst, the Bible gives us examples of every kind of parent. From well-known accounts from the lives of people such as Abraham, Jacob, David, and others, we see these believers – known for their powerful faith – making wonderful decisions, and then turning around and making horrible decisions in their parenting. It happens.

We will all make mistakes. We will say or do the wrong thing and feel horrible about it later. We are human, and even when we are seeking Christ fervently, that humanity will still show up. Yet the Bible teaches that when we are following Jesus and seeking to live for him, he is powerful enough to reach our children in spite of us. Our mistakes and poor decisions will not ruin our children when we are actively seeking Jesus in all we do.  

We do well to remember that we are the best parent for our children! They are a precious gift and in his eternal wisdom and providence God has entrusted them to us!  

The Bible also shows us that every child is different. Jacob and Esau were different, and Joseph and his brothers were different. This was okay, and all a part of God’s plan. Even in consistent parenting, our children will respond to discipline and encouragement differently than their siblings. In my home, we had some children that could be brought in line with a stern look or a head shake. Others needed more than that to learn what is right. Parents should spend much time in prayer over each of their children, and most importantly, parents must seek God in their own lives so that this will shine out in all they do. Those kids are watching and learning from you every day, parent!  

5 Encouraging Bible Verses for Parents

Although the Bible is not a “parenting guide,” there are numerous encouragements for parents throughout Scripture. As parents, we are not left alone to figure out this journey, but given the tools and direction we need in the Bible - the same place we receive direction for every other aspect of life.

Proverbs 22:6 – “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Psalm 127:3 - “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”

Ephesians 6:4 - “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 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.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 - “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

How Should Parents Respond to Rebellious Children?

“Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son” (Hebrews 12:6).

The Bible says that if we train a child in the way they should go they will not depart from it. Yet it seems that so many young people who were raised in church have grown up to abandon it. How do we handle this?

Perhaps the most heartbreaking thing is watching a child rebel against Christ and walk away from all that they have been taught to believe. It is hard to watch this whether they are young or if they are an adult. It is tempting for a parent to start blaming themselves, to believe that they somehow did not do enough or try hard enough to train their child up in the Lord or teach them the pain that sin will bring into their life.

Proverbs 29:17 teaches, “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” This peace may come from seeing our children change their ways, or it may come from knowing that they are in God’s hands, loved by him, and he alone is in charge of their eternal destiny, and not us.

If they are younger and still in your home, keep working! Stay faithful and show them the love of Christ! Know that sometimes this love can involve discipline, and that sometimes it will be hard. Sometimes children view Christianity as ‘rules’ that keep them from doing fun things. Remind them that those rules are not a cage to fence them in, but rather a guard rail to keep them from going into dangerous and painful situations that will be difficult to recover from. Discipline is for their good, not their harm.

Doing what is ‘right’ and avoiding what is ‘wrong’ are only a part of parenting. The most important thing is to establish Christ as the center of your home through your words, actions, and habits. If the children know that they will be having a family devotion every evening, discussing faith every day, attending church every week, and serving in their community, this will ultimately become part of who they are and the choices they make.

If they are older, entrust them to God and pray for them fervently. Resist the urge to ‘complain’ and antagonize them (Colossians 3:21).  Seek opportunities to speak truth, but speak it in a loving fashion and let them know there is nothing they can do to separate themselves from your love for them. This is how our heavenly father loves us, and we do well to learn to love in the same way.

A Family Set Apart

For believers, it is difficult to imagine a higher calling then being a parent. Raising Godly children in a Christian home seems like a simple thing that will require little effort. After all, lots of people have raised children, right? Just give them food and shelter and they’ll make it! Yet it is clear that parents have an immeasurable influence on their children, and a Godly family will be respected as unique and set apart in a world where families are rapidly deteriorating.

If you are a parent, make the decision now to love your children and make their upbringing central to your purpose and calling. Generations will be changed because of this decision.

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Photo credit: ©Getty Images/jacoblund

Jason Soroski is a homeschool dad and member of the worship team at matthias lot church in St. Charles, MO. He spends his free time hanging out with his family, exploring new places, and writing about the experiences. Connect on Facebook or at JasonSoroski.net.