As parents, we have the incredible responsibility and privilege of shaping our children’s lives. One of the most critical aspects of this role is instilling in them a solid foundation of faith and values that will guide them throughout their lives.

In this article, we will explore practical strategies and biblical principles to help you effectively instill faith and values in your children. From teaching them about God’s love and grace to modeling integrity and kindness, we will delve into various aspects of parenting that can contribute to developing resilient, compassionate, and God-centered individuals.

What is a Christian Parent’s Job?

Christian parents are responsible for teaching their children about faith and raising them in the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse emphasizes the importance of parents imparting spiritual guidance and instruction to their children from a young age.

In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, the Bible instructs parents, saying, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” This passage highlights the continuous nature of teaching and sharing God’s commandments with children, incorporating it into everyday life.

Christian parents are called to be examples of faith, modeling a godly lifestyle for their children. Proverbs 20:7 says, “The righteous who walk in his integrity—blessed are his children after him.” By living out their faith and demonstrating the love of Christ, parents can positively influence their children’s spiritual journey.

Teaching children about faith involves various aspects, such as reading and studying the Bible together, praying as a family, attending church services, and engaging in discussions about spiritual matters. It also entails nurturing a personal relationship with God and encouraging children to develop their own relationship with Him.

Instilling Christian Faith

To instill Christian faith in your child, start by being a positive example of a faithful follower of Christ. Regularly engage in family prayer, Bible reading, and attending church together. Encourage your child to ask questions about faith and provide age-appropriate answers. Teach biblical values and morals, and help them understand the love and grace of Jesus through age-appropriate stories and discussions. 

Engage them in service opportunities, helping them understand the importance of loving and serving others. Foster an environment of open communication, where your child feels safe to express doubts or struggles and offer guidance and support based on biblical principles. Pray for your child’s spiritual growth and trust in God’s work in their life.

Teaching Your Child Kindness

Kindness is a manifestation of the love and compassion that flows from a transformed heart through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It involves actively seeking to treat others with respect, empathy, generosity, and selflessness, just as Jesus demonstrated during His earthly ministry.

To teach your child to be kind, start by setting a loving and compassionate example yourself. Show kindness towards others in your words, actions, and attitudes. Encourage your child to practice acts of kindness, such as sharing, helping those in need, and showing empathy toward others’ feelings.

Read and discuss Bible stories that highlight acts of kindness and the importance of loving one’s neighbor. Scripture passages like Luke 6:31 (“Do to others as you would have them do to you”) and Ephesians 4:32 (“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”) can serve as foundational teachings on kindness.

Engage your child in practical acts of kindness, such as volunteering together, participating in community service projects, or reaching out to those who are lonely or hurting. Encourage your child to pray for opportunities to show kindness and to reflect on the impact their actions can have on others.

Integrity as a Strong Foundation 

Emphasize the importance of aligning their actions and words with God’s truth. Teach them that God values honesty and integrity, as stated in Proverbs 12:22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in trustworthy people.”

Encourage your child to confess and seek forgiveness when they make mistakes, emphasizing God’s forgiveness and the restoration that comes from repentance. Teach them the importance of being truthful in all situations, even when difficult or uncomfortable.

Model honesty and integrity in your own actions and words, showing your child what it looks like to live according to biblical principles. Finally, pray with your child, asking God to help them grow in honesty and integrity, and for the Holy Spirit to guide them in making choices that honor God.

Lead Your Child to Christ

Christian parents have a biblical mandate to teach their children about faith, providing them with a solid foundation rooted in God’s Word. By fulfilling this role, parents have the opportunity to shape their children’s spiritual lives and guide them in the ways of the Lord, leading them towards a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

But leading them to Christ is not enough. It’s also important to teach them to be Christlike. Jesus is the ultimate example of love, compassion, forgiveness, and righteousness, and by following His example, we grow closer to God and live a life that honors Him.