by esther phinias | 6 February 2024 08:46 am02
Special Guidance for Parents/Guardians
Do you understand the biblical principles of blessing your children? Many of us are familiar with one principle: speaking blessings over them! This is absolutely correct and rooted in Scripture, as the Bible teaches that words carry immense power. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Words are powerful, and when we bless our children, we are shaping their future and spiritual lives.
However, it’s crucial to understand this: if your words are not accompanied by actions, the likelihood of those blessings manifesting is greatly diminished. James 2:17 reminds us that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Similarly, blessings need to be backed up by a godly lifestyle and practical actions that demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of your children.
If you desire your children to receive the fullness of the blessings you pronounce over them, including blessings in knowing God, in health, and in success, then consider the following biblical principles:
1. TEACH THEM GOD’S LAWS
God commands us as parents to teach His commandments to our children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “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.” Teaching God’s laws should be a constant part of our lives as parents, not just a one-time event. Our children should see us living by the commandments of God, and this will help them understand that His Word is not just for adults, but for everyone, including them.
Proverbs 1:8 encourages us:
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
And forsake not your mother’s teaching,
For they are a graceful garland for your head
And pendants for your neck.
This highlights that parental guidance, based on God’s laws, becomes a source of honor and grace in the life of a child.
If your words of blessing are to be effective, you must live out God’s law in your own life. Children learn more from what they see in us than from what we say. Jesus Himself modeled perfect obedience to God’s law, and we are to follow His example (John 15:10).
2. DO NOT WITHHOLD DISCIPLINE
The Bible teaches us that discipline is an essential part of a child’s growth. Hebrews 12:6-7 reminds us, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” Discipline is a sign of love. If we withhold discipline, we are not properly preparing our children for the future. Proverbs 13:24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but whoever loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
God’s discipline is both corrective and instructive. As parents, we are called to correct our children’s wrong behavior, guiding them toward righteousness. Proverbs 23:13-14 further teaches us:
Do not withhold discipline from a child;
If you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
If you strike him with the rod,
You will save his soul from Sheol.
This passage teaches that while discipline may be difficult in the moment, it leads to long-term spiritual and moral safety. It’s not about punishment, but about helping the child avoid the spiritual death that sin leads to (Romans 6:23).
3. TEACH THEM THE VALUE OF EDUCATION
In addition to spiritual instruction, the Bible also encourages us to value knowledge and wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 states, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” Wisdom is something that should be sought after continually, not just for spiritual matters, but also for practical living. As parents, it is our responsibility to instill in our children a love for learning and a desire to grow intellectually and spiritually.
Proverbs 4:13 says,
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
Guard her, for she is your life.
Education is not merely about gaining knowledge but about fostering wisdom that leads to a godly life. This wisdom should help them navigate life’s challenges and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
4. TEACH THEM TO HONOR THE LAW AND RESPECT AUTHORITY
It is essential to teach children to respect both God’s law and the law of the land. Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”
As parents, it’s our job to teach our children to respect the authorities placed over them — whether it’s the government, teachers, or leaders in the church. Disrespecting authority leads to disorder, while respecting authority brings peace. Proverbs 24:21 tells us, “My son, fear the Lord and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise.”
God established earthly authorities for our good, and when children learn to respect them, they are also learning to honor God’s structure for society.
5. GUIDE THEM IN THE RIGHT PATH
As parents, we must guide our children in the path that aligns with God’s will for their lives. Proverbs 22:6 teaches, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This passage refers to the way a child is uniquely created, with their own gifts, temperament, and purpose. We should help them discover these things and encourage them to walk in the path that God has designed for them.
This guidance is not just about their future career or social life but also about spiritual growth. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul urges fathers, “Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Our role is to instruct them in the Lord’s ways, modeling Christian virtues and teaching them to make choices that reflect their identity in Christ.
CONCLUSION
If you live out these principles — teaching them God’s laws, providing discipline, encouraging education, respecting authority, and guiding them in the right path — and cover all of this in prayer, you will truly be blessing your children. Proverbs 3:1-2 assures us:
My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments,
For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.
May you continue to seek God’s wisdom and grace as you raise your children in the fear of the Lord. And may He bless you abundantly in this important task.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2024/02/06/parents-blessings-for-their-children/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.