The Foundation: God’s Unconditional Love
Scripture makes it clear that God’s love is not based on our performance. As it is written in Romans 5:8:
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
This is the model: a love that is given freely, not earned. It is a perfect love that, as 1 John 4:18 tells us:
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
This truth directly addresses the anxieties of parenting. When we are gripped by fear and doubt about our children’s future or our own abilities, the answer is to place our absolute, unreserved trust in the God who loves us and our children perfectly. This trust in Him is the very evidence of that perfect love at work in us.
The Definition: Love is Obedience
Jesus gave us a clear definition of love in action. In John 14:15, He said:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
This moves love from a sentiment to a commitment. Our love for God is proven by our willingness to follow His Word. This is the hinge upon which everything else swings. We cannot claim to love God while ignoring the instructions He has given us for every area of life, including the raising of our children. The Apostle John reiterates this in 1 John 5:3:
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
The Command: Train Up a Child
So, if our love for God is shown by obeying His Word, we must ask: What does His Word command regarding our children? Proverbs 22:6 gives us the clear directive:
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
This training is not merely academic instruction; it is the daily, intentional work of:
- Imparting God’s Word: Teaching them Scripture, His commands, and His promises, as Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs:
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.”
- Modeling God’s Ways: Living out that Word authentically in front of them—demonstrating forgiveness, grace, honesty, and kindness.
- Guiding with Truth: Using God’s Word as the standard for right and wrong.
This active training is the tangible expression of our love for our children.
The Result: A Light Burden
The world offers countless methods, philosophies, and “software” for raising children. But these human systems are flawed and often leave parents exhausted, anxious, and burdened. In contrast, God’s way is simple and straightforward. As we read in Matthew 11:30:
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
When we parent according to His Word, the impossible weight of being God to our children is lifted. We are responsible for our obedience—to train them in His love. He is responsible for the outcome.
The Promise: He is Faithful
Parenting can be daunting. The path is not always rosy. But there is no software or worldly philosophy that can produce godliness in a child. Godliness is the fruit of a relationship with God, cultivated in a home where parents love God by obeying His Word and love their children by training them in it.
Therefore, in this season of love and always, the call to every parent is clear:
- Go to the Scriptures. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
- Meditate on God’s Word. Let it shape your heart and calm your fears, just as Joshua 1:8 commands:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
- Ask Him in prayer. As James 1:5 promises:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Pray:
“God, what do you want me to do concerning this child? Show me the way.”
When we do this—when we place our absolute trust in Him and parent the way He has commanded—we can rest in the promise that He is ever faithful. As Lamentations 3:22-23 declares:
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
This is the easiest way to parent, not because it requires no work, but because we are no longer carrying the burden alone. We are walking in step with the God whose love never fails, and whose commandments lead to life.
The First Step: A Prayer for Salvation
Before we can parent in God’s love, we must first know His love personally. The foundation of everything we have discussed begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have never invited Him into your life, or if you want to recommit your heart to Him today, the first step is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. His Word assures us in Romans 10:9-10:
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
If you want Jesus in your life, pray this prayer from your heart:
Lord Jesus, I come to You today just as I am. I believe that You died for me on the cross and rose again from the dead. I confess with my mouth that You are Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised You from the dead. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. Come into my heart and be my personal Lord and Savior. Take control of my life and help me to walk in Your ways from this day forward. Teach me to love You through obedience to Your Word, and guide me as I seek to raise my children in Your love. Thank You for Your unconditional love and Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, welcome to the family of God! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
You are now a child of God, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Now, go forth and parent in the power of His perfect love.
May this truth bring freedom, peace, and salvation to every parent who reads it.
