06/03/2026
What does the Bible say about Parenting?
We’ve just passed Mother’s Day a few weeks ago and we’re coming upon Father’ Day this month. That brings me to the above question: What does the Bible say about parenting? Simple answer: a lot! Let me break it down in the following manner:
Parents are given children as a gift from God. Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” If you’ve ever held a new born babe in your arms that is yours, you know the truth of this verse. That baby is truly a gift from God. Certainly the little one is a life-changing gift. He or she is a gift that brings great joy to us, but also overwhelming responsibility. You could call parenting a “stewardship from God.” He entrusted that little one to us with the expectation that we would care for him or her and point them in the right direction as they grow older.
A good word of caution would be that you don’t be so overwhelmed with the responsibility that you miss the fun side of having a child. Enjoy the short time of them growing up under your care. Enjoy the laughter. Enjoy the innocence. Enjoy the fun. And be sure to call out to God for all the challenges, for there will be plenty of those! Parenting is a learning process. One should study and research how to be a good parent. Be sure to observe others whom you think are good models for you. Talk with them and ask questions. You have to do that with anything else that you’re wanting to be good at. Why not put the hard work into learning how to be a good parent! Also, if you want to be a CHRISTIAN parent, then you have to make sure your resources are Christian based, because the world’s idea of parenting will greatly differ from God’s idea of parenting.
Parents are to love their children. Consider the following verses: Psalm 103:13, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” Also, 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8, “...But we proved to be gentle among you. As a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children, in the same way we had a fond affection for you…” And Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them…” How about Isaiah 66:13, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…” I think from these verses one can know for sure that parents are to love their children, being gentle towards them and patient. Remember 1 Corinthians 13:4ff as it says, “Love is patient, love is kind…it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs…it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” As a parent loves their child it will lead them to be an encourager to their child and a “cheerleader” for their child. The home needs to be a place of refuge for the child where they feel safe and loved. The world can beat them up pretty badly, but the home needs to be a shelter for them.
Parents are to provide for their children. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 2 Corinthians 12:14 says, “...after all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.” This doesn’t mean we have to provide our children with the finest of everything, and give them everything they want. We have to be careful that we’re not trying to “keep up with the Jones’.” In other words, if the neighbor gets a swimming pool, or trampoline, then we feel obligated and compelled to do the same for our kids. Rather than them needing more stuff, they need our love and attention, and they do need their basic needs taken care of which is food, water, shelter, clothes, and good hygiene.
Parents are to teach their children. Deuteronomy 6:6,7 says, “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.” In other words, all along the way of life be intentional about teaching your children about Jesus. DO NOT have the attitude, “Well, I’ll let them figure it out for themselves. I don’t want to force anything upon them.” Rather, it is your responsibility to pass on the truth to the next generation. Isaiah 38:19 says, “...a father tells his sons about Your faithfulness.” Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” Proverbs 22:6 says, Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Ephesians 6:4 says, “...bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” A very important part of parenting is to direct our kids towards Jesus and His truth. The world will have a different message for them. We must help them decipher what’ is truth, and what’s not truth. This will very likely impact their eternity.
Parents are to discipline their children. .There are lots of verses in the Bible about this. A parent must be careful that they have boundaries for their children that provide safety for them and direction. This requires the parent to have tough love, and not always be intent on being their child’s “best friend.” Discipline is hard, but it’s necessary and actually a very loving thing that you do for your children. Your discipline to them, according to scripture, may save them from going to hell. Consider the following verses: Proverbs 22:15,”Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.” Proverbs 13:24, “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” Proverbs 19:18, “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.” Proverbs 29:17, “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.” And finally Proverbs 23:14, Physical discipline may well save them from death.” We’re talking discipline under control, not child abuse. We’re talking firm, consistent, and fair discipline. Parents that let their children “rule the roost” are not doing their children a favor at all. They are setting them up to be a menace to society.
Parenting is not easy, but with God’s help we can get through it and have so many blessings with our children. Cry out to God for help. Don’t give up. When discouraged or feeling helpless, turn to HIM. He’s always there for you, and He can turn ashes into beauty.
