Week 6 | Day 3
JESUS IN MY PARENTING
Ephesians 6:1-4
Walking with Jesus not only should show up in our marriages, but also in our parenting. Essential to a healthy home is a clear calling to follow Christ within the home. Children are instructed to listen under and obey their parents in the Lord, recognizing that obedience honors God’s design for family life as the children honor their parents. This command carries both spiritual significance and practical blessing, reminding us that God uses parental guidance to shape character and wisdom in the next generation. Parenting, therefore, isn’t merely about raising responsible adults—it is about forming hearts that understand and respect God’s authority.
Likewise, parents, especially fathers, are urged not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This requires tough, yet gentle love where parents nurture and guide their children to God. Discipline provides structure, while instruction points children toward truth. The goal isn’t control but formation—helping children grow to know, trust, and follow Jesus for themselves. When parents lead with both firmness and grace, they reflect the heart of the heavenly Father.
Likewise, parents, especially fathers, are urged not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This requires tough, yet gentle love where parents nurture and guide their children to God. Discipline provides structure, while instruction points children toward truth. The goal isn’t control but formation—helping children grow to know, trust, and follow Jesus for themselves. When parents lead with both firmness and grace, they reflect the heart of the heavenly Father.
Application
Parents must Model Obedience to Christ
Children learn faith by observing it lived out and truth is caught more than it is taught. Thus, a parent’s example more often than not teaches louder than their words. Live your faith before your kids.
Cultivate an Atmosphere of Honor
Respect in the home strengthens relationships. Teach children that honoring their parents reflects honoring God—and that honoring God is one’s highest priority.
Discipline with Purpose—not Anger
Correction is unavoidable, yet should be loving and instructional always seeking to guide rather than crush. Loving discipline shapes character and wisdom.
Teach Scripture Intentionally
Children need more than moral advice, they need to have their lives grounded in an understanding in God’s Word. A parent’s first and greatest calling is to help their children to be introduced to Jesus so they can know Him, be known by Him—and then to make Him known.
Lead with both Truth and Grace
Firm boundaries and compassionate love work together. Parents are to strive to create a home environment that balances and strengthens trust and growth.
Children learn faith by observing it lived out and truth is caught more than it is taught. Thus, a parent’s example more often than not teaches louder than their words. Live your faith before your kids.
Cultivate an Atmosphere of Honor
Respect in the home strengthens relationships. Teach children that honoring their parents reflects honoring God—and that honoring God is one’s highest priority.
Discipline with Purpose—not Anger
Correction is unavoidable, yet should be loving and instructional always seeking to guide rather than crush. Loving discipline shapes character and wisdom.
Teach Scripture Intentionally
Children need more than moral advice, they need to have their lives grounded in an understanding in God’s Word. A parent’s first and greatest calling is to help their children to be introduced to Jesus so they can know Him, be known by Him—and then to make Him known.
Lead with both Truth and Grace
Firm boundaries and compassionate love work together. Parents are to strive to create a home environment that balances and strengthens trust and growth.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for entrusting children to our care. Help me model faith faithfully and guide them with wisdom and patience. Teach me to discipline with love and instruct them in Your truth. May our home reflect Your grace and lead them toward a lifelong relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.