17 Bible Verses About Raising Children

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Use these 17 Bible verses about raising children as a reminder of the importance of the Kingdom work you are doing as a parent.

Every parent knows that raising a child is no easy task. There is so much that goes into bringing up a child that it can sometimes feel overwhelming or even disheartening as you learn how to parent your children best. Mom guilt is one of the most common struggles mothers face, and fathers are not immune to these struggles either.

The truth is that it takes intentional time, patience and resources when seeking to pour into our children. Yet there is not an ounce of time invested in their lives, that is, of waste.

When we look into Scripture, we get to see God’s character as a loving Father not only to Christ but also to us. He gives us the greatest example of a parent, and we can learn much not only from His dealings as a Father but from His word that specifically directs parents in raising children.

These verses provide a few significant ways to help raise your children. I hope that they will give you greater confidence as you lead your children, and help you see your child through the lens of scripture.

All Bible verses below are from the NIV Bible translation.

Bible Verse About Raising Children - Mom hugging her smiling son

Scripture About Raising Children

Treat Your Children with Love

Just like all people, children though young, need to be loved. When we children are shown love not only told that they are loved, parents create a safe space for their children to grow and feel secure in.

The love of a parent is absolutely crucial to a child. In a way, it is a lifeline for them. Children feel loved when their parents spend time with them, ask them questions, care for their needs, or engage in activities that they enjoy.

The kind of love God calls us to give to one another is the kind of love that He calls us to share with our children, too.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 John 15:12-13

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Encourage Them

When children grow up, their parents are their entire world. Their attitudes, values, and view of the world and of themselves are largely shaped by their environment and the relationship that they have with their parents.

The difference between a child who tries something, fails and gets up to try again, and the difference between a child who tries and fails and never tries again or doesn’t even bother to try at all can all trace back to those around them.

As parents there is a massive opportunity to speak to our children in encouraging or disheartening ways. Scripture warns against an over-critical and discouraging way of speaking and dealing with our children.

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Romans 15:5

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.

Discipline Your Children

When it comes to discipline, parents can have varying opinions on the topic. But one thing that God’s word makes clear is that children need discipline. The way that discipline is implemented may differ from child to child, as what works for one child may not necessarily work for another child.

When we get to know our children as individuals, it can become more apparent what kind of discipline would be most effective on them. It can be tough to implement discipline, but God has entrusted parents over their children and given them the word to instruct them.

Proverbs 29:15

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

Proverbs 13:24

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

Proverbs 29:17

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.

Hebrews 12:5-11

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Teach Them The Truth

It has become too easy for children to be taught by the world. If we don’t teach them, someone else will, be that movies, peers, social media, teachers and more. The Lord calls parents to show their children the way to go, and bring them up with His word.

Though Sunday school can be beneficial, we must be careful not to depend on our children’s spiritual welfare to be met by their Sunday school teacher. Instead, scripture says to sit with your children, make it a family time, and teach them God’s word. Discuss it with them. While they are young, show them the way and the hope that we have been given in Christ.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

2 Timothy 3:14-15

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 22:6

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Forgive Your Children

Though parenting is a blessing, it doesn’t come without its challenges and lows. As a parent you may find yourself worn out, frustrated and even angry with your children from time to time. The human heart has an inclination toward sin, and this is true for our children, too.

When they do cause frustration or sin against others, it is not only important that they understand what they have done wrong and receive proper discipline if necessary but it is equally important for them to see what true forgiveness looks like.

Through our extended forgiveness to them, we can show them a glimpse of the forgiveness that Christ has toward us. But even more, we can teach them what forgiving others looks like, and save them from a world of bitterness, malice, and unforgiveness. Here lies a great opportunity to lead by example.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Matthew 6:14

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.