What does the Bible say about parents? From the very beginning of the Bible, God’s plan for the family is clear. The Bible recognizes the parents as the foundational building blocks for a strong family life. God had a special role for each parent, which was to teach and lead their children in the ways of the Lord. Parents are to be responsible for the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental development of their children.
The Bible reminds us that a good parent should set a good example for their children. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul teaches, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Even outside of the spiritual realm, a parent is responsible for teaching their children right from wrong. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
One of the most important commands assigned to a parent is to love their children. The Bible continually calls parents to be intentional and loving in how they raise their children. From the New Testament book of Colossians 3:20-21, we read, “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. ‘Honor your father and mother.’ This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, ‘things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.’”
In addition to loving their children, parents are also to provide discipline. Proverbs 13:24 says, “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” Parents are to not only be disciplinarians, but also fair and reasonable in how they discipline. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 we read, “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.”
Another important principle that is communicated to parents in the Bible is to be continually teaching their children. Joshua 1:8 says, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Parents have the responsibility to pass these instructions and secrets of success to their children.
The Bible encourages parents to both pour love into their children, but also to be firm and fair in discipline. Providing godly instruction and setting a godly example will go a long way for any Christian family. Parents should take serious their role, for it is the parents who are ultimately responsible for their children’s spiritual and physical development.
What Is The Responsibility Of Parents to Teach And Lead?
The Bible places a heavy emphasis on the parents’ responsibilities to teach and lead their children in the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 13:24 says, “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” Teaching their children the principles of God is one of the primary responsibilities of a parent. Parents are to be the ultimate guides in the lives of their children, leading the way to righteousness.
Parents are not only to be spiritual guides but physical guides as well. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 we read, “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.” This reminds parents that the role of teaching their children is ever-present, and ought to be a part of everyday life. Parents should be seen teaching their children from a young age how to conduct themselves.
Additionally, parents should also set a good example for their children. This message is more prominent than parents may think. Through a child’s life, parents are the most influential figures, and children are constantly absorbing what their parents are doing and saying. The Bible speaks about this in Ephesians 5:1, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.” Parents should remember that their children are mirroring their lives, so they must be mindful of what they are teaching their children through their own actions.
What Does The Bible Say About Loving Your Children?
On top of being Godly teachers and examples, the Bible also calls parents to love their children. God’s love for His children is reflected in all of His commands, and this same love is expected to be seen in all parents’ interactions with their children. Colossians 3:20-21 instructs, “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. ‘Honor your father and mother.’ This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, ‘things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.’”
The Bible also assures parents that children can be a blessing from the Lord. We can see this in Psalm 127:3-4, which says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” This teaches parents the joy of having children, and the reminder that children are a blessing from the Lord, not a burden.
Finally, the Bible teaches us that parents are to love their children through their failures and successes, no matter their age. In Malachi 3:6, we read “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” This teaches parents that they must love their children unconditionally, no matter what they have done, and remember that they are a child of God, who will never leave or forsake them.
What Is The Biblical Principle Of Discipline?
The Bible also reminds us that disciplining our children can be a powerful tool. Proverbs 22:15 says, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” The Bible encourages parents to primarily use the rod of discipline, not physical punishment, to help them stay righteous and on the straight path. The key principle behind discipline is that it should be both loving and intentional.
The Bible also teaches us that discipline should come in many forms. Discipline is not only about punishment, but also includes instruction and teaching. In Proverbs 1:7 we read, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The use of discipline should be combined with instruction, in order to show children what their mistakes are and how to not make them again.
The Bible also encourages parents to be compassionate when disciplining their children. In 2 Timothy 1:7 it reads, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Parents should have a loving heart when disciplining their children, and remember that they are not only doing this out of the love of God, but also the love of their children.
How Can Prayer Strengthen Parents?
Finally, the Bible speaks of the importance of prayer when parenting. In Psalm 27:14, we read, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Parents should always rely on the strength of the Lord, and call on Him when parenting. The power of prayer to give strength and courage to parents should never be underestimated.
The Bible works with the power of the Holy Spirit to provide courage, strength, and joy. The Bible often speaks of speaking directly to God in prayer. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul instructs us to, “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Speaking to God directly can provide tremendous strength and courage in parenting. Parents should always remember to draw on King of Heaven for strength when parenting.
In conclusion, parents need to remember that they have a special role in their children’s lives. Their responsibilities to teach, lead, love and discipline are core principles found in the Bible. Parents should also remember the power of prayer when raising their children, and call on God for strength and courage during difficult times. Finally, parents should always remember that their children are a blessing from the Lord, to be loved and cherished.
