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We can all reflect God’s love in different ways. One of the responsibilities He gives us is caring for children.
As parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, etc. we are all shaping who they are and guiding children through our lives and our actions. By walking in faith, displaying Christlike character, and giving them a sense of security, we make a lasting impact.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
When we talk about giving children a sense of security, we mean caring for, protecting, and loving them. It’s important to show love through words, actions, patience, and time.
This kind of security is vital for our children’s development.
When I think about children feeling loved, I remember the scripture where the disciples try to send the children away, but Jesus says, “Let the children come to me.” Jesus was never too busy for anyone. Often, He would be on a journey and would stop and spend time with whoever needed Him, even if it wasn’t on His way. His agenda was God’s agenda, and caring for His children is always on that agenda.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
As we care for children, we need wisdom and guidance.
Patience is hard but necessary; it’s needed for teaching and correcting. Parenting is challenging, but when we approach it with calm, wisdom, and discernment, we are more likely to accomplish meaningful results.
As I raise my kids, who are now all teenagers, I face difficult times, and guiding them can be hard. I have to remember that, although I was once a teenager, I have never parented one until now. So, there needs to be grace and mercy for both them and myself. Though I sometimes get frustrated and upset, I need to turn to God for wisdom to make sound decisions and guide them in ways that please Him.
James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
What a blessing that our Father demonstrates all aspects of parenting by the way He guides us; we can go to Him and ask, and He welcomes it.
We demonstrate wisdom when we follow God faithfully.
Modeling a Christ-centered life for our children makes a lasting impact. They see our actions, attitudes, and faithfulness and learn from them. These things help shape who they are.
Throughout my life, I’ve learned and unlearned certain behaviors, and I want to set my kids up for success as well. When I’ve shown behaviors I’m not proud of, I apologize and let them know it’s something I’m working on with the Lord to unlearn. I aim to be a better example for them.
Our relationship with God can inspire and nurture our children’s faith, helping them grow closer to the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”
One essential thing we can do is pray for our children.
When we pray for them, we’re covering their lives, asking for protection, guidance, and help in teaching them how to grow closer to God.
When I pray for my kids, I pray for their walk with the Lord because I know each will have their own testimony. I pray for their future, friendships, and even for the spouses they may one day have. I pray about everything because my intercession on their behalf helps fight battles, building a protective, spiritual covering over their lives.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”
Parenting is a journey, and the more we lean into the Lord for guidance, wisdom, and strength, the better we can show unconditional love and protection. God is with us each step of the way, and knowing He is here to answer the call for help is a great comfort.