By Al Felder Children need to learn self-control. Self-control is the ability to govern desires, words, emotions, actions, appetites, and impulses according to what is right. It teaches a child that he does not have to obey every feeling, say every thought, satisfy every desire, or react to every irritation. Without self-control, a child may become ruled by anger, laziness, appetite, entertainment, impatience, selfishness, or pride. He may learn to do whatever he feels in the moment and then excuse it afterward, but God did not design man to live as a slave to impulse. Proverbs 25:28 says, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” A city without walls was exposed to danger. In the same way, a child without self-control is spiritually vulnerable. He can be easily led by temptation, emotion, pressure, and desire. Parents must teach children to rule their spirits before their spirits rule them. Self-Control Begins With Submission to God Self-control is not merely a personality trait. It is a spiritual responsibility. Children need to learn that their bodies, minds, words, and desires belong under God’s authority. They were not made to live by “I want,” “I feel,” or “I deserve.” They were made to live before the Lord. First Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches that the body belongs to God and should be used to glorify Him. While the immediate context deals with sexual purity, the principle is larger: man is not his own. Children should learn early that their hands, mouths, eyes, thoughts, and choices must be governed by what pleases God. A child may say, “I couldn’t help it.” Sometimes he may be describing a strong feeling, but parents should teach him that strong feelings do not remove responsibility. He may feel angry, but he must not hit. He may feel hungry, but he must not steal. He may feel tired, but he must still speak respectfully. He may feel tempted, but he must still choose what is right. Self-control begins when the child learns, “God’s will is greater than my desire.” Self-Control Teaches Children to Say No Children need to learn the power of no. Not every desire should be fulfilled. Not every opportunity should be taken. Not every invitation should be accepted. Not every thought should be entertained. Not every feeling should be followed. Titus 2:11-12 says the grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly. Grace does not train people to indulge every desire. It teaches denial. Parents must teach children that saying no to sin is part of faithful living. Children can begin learning this in small ways. No, I will not lie. No, I will not speak disrespectfully. No, I will not watch that. No, I will not join that joke. No, I will not take what is not mine. No, I will not let anger control me. No, I will not follow the crowd into wrong. These decisions may seem small, but they build spiritual strength. A child who never learns to say no to small temptations will struggle when larger temptations come. Self-Control Governs the Tongue One of the first areas where children need self-control is speech. Children may say hurtful things when angry, foolish things when excited, dishonest things when afraid, or disrespectful things when corrected. They must learn that words are not harmless simply because they come quickly. James 1:19 says, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Children need to learn slowness in speech. They should not answer before listening. They should not interrupt correction. They should not shout over others. They should not say everything they think. Proverbs 13:3 says, “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” A guarded mouth is part of a guarded heart. Parents should teach children to ask: Is this true? Is this kind? Is this respectful? Is this necessary? Will this help or hurt? Does God want me to say this? Self-control over speech will bless a child for life. Self-Control Governs Anger Anger is a powerful test of self-control. A child may feel wronged, embarrassed, frustrated, or disappointed, but anger must not be allowed to take command. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry, and do not sin.” Anger may arise, but sin must not follow. Parents should teach children that anger does not give them permission to hit, scream, insult, threaten, slam doors, break things, or seek revenge. Another person’s wrong does not authorize their wrong. Proverbs 16:32 says, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” God values the person who can rule his spirit. A child may think strength is shown by winning a fight or shouting the loudest. Parents must teach that true strength is often shown by restraint. A child who can pause, speak calmly, tell the truth, seek help, and choose what is right while angry is learning godly strength. Self-Control Governs Appetite Children also need self-control over appetite. This includes food, sleep, comfort, entertainment, attention, play, and pleasure. A child who is never taught restraint may become ruled by whatever feels good. He may want more food than is wise, more screen time than is healthy, more attention than is proper, and more comfort than is helpful. First Corinthians 9:27 says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.” Paul understood that the body must be governed, not worshiped. Parents should teach children that appetite is not master. A child can wait for a meal. A child can stop eating when enough has been given. A child can turn off entertainment. A child can go to bed when it is time. A child can finish work before play. A child can accept limits without complaint. These lessons are not merely about household order. They teach that the body and its desires must remain under rule. Self-Control Helps Children Resist Peer Pressure Children will face pressure from others. They may be urged to join a joke, hide wrongdoing, watch sinful things, dress immodestly, speak disrespectfully, disobey parents, cheat, lie, or follow a crowd into foolishness. In those moments, self-control helps a child stop and choose what is right. Exodus 23:2 says, “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil.” The crowd may be loud, persuasive, funny, popular, or intimidating, but the crowd does not have authority to make wrong right. Parents should prepare children before pressure comes. They can help children practice what to say and do: “I cannot do that.” “That is wrong.” “I need to leave.” “I am going to tell my parents.” “I do not talk that way.” “I will not watch that.” Self-control is easier when the heart has been trained before temptation arrives. Self-Control Requires Training, Not Just Wishing Children do not develop self-control simply because parents want them to have it. It must be trained. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go.” Training requires repetition, correction, patience, instruction, practice, and consistency. Parents should not be surprised when children need the same lesson more than once. Self-control grows through ordinary expectations. Wait your turn. Finish your chore. Speak respectfully. Tell the truth. Sit reverently. Do not interrupt. Accept no. Apologize. Try again. Put it away. Stop when told. These simple commands train the will. They teach the child to place duty above impulse. Parents should not remove every difficulty from a child’s life. Waiting, working, sharing, obeying, and accepting disappointment are part of learning self-control. Self-Control Must Be Encouraged and Corrected Parents should encourage growth in self-control. When a child controls his anger, tell him. When he tells the truth though it is hard, commend him. When he waits patiently, notice it. When he accepts correction humbly, encourage him. Encouragement helps children see that self-control is good. Parents must also correct a lack of self-control. If a child constantly interrupts, complains, grabs, shouts, hits, refuses limits, or collapses whenever denied, those patterns need training. Parents should not excuse them as harmless. They are habits that can grow stronger with time. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that discipline may be painful in the moment, but it can yield “the peaceable fruit of righteousness.” Loving correction helps children grow. The goal is not merely outward calm. The goal is a heart learning to submit to what is right. Parents Must Model Self-Control Children learn self-control by watching their parents. They notice whether parents control their anger. They notice whether parents speak carefully. They notice whether parents complain constantly. They notice whether parents govern appetite, entertainment, spending, and time. They notice whether parents live by discipline or impulse. A parent who loses control while demanding self-control from a child teaches contradiction. James 1:20 says, “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Parents must not expect anger to produce holiness in their children. Correction must be given with purpose, firmness, patience, and love. Parents should also admit when they fail. If a parent speaks harshly, he should apologize. If he acts impatiently, he should make it right. This teaches children that self-control applies to everyone. A home that teaches self-control must also practice it. Self-Control Is Part of the Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as part of the fruit of the Spirit. That means self-control belongs to spiritual maturity. It is not merely about making children easier to manage. It is about forming character that pleases God. Children need to understand that God wants them to become people who are governed by truth, not by impulse. The works of the flesh include sinful desires and uncontrolled conduct. The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Parents must teach children to recognize the difference between being led by fleshly desire and living under God’s will. As children mature and obey the gospel, they must continue growing in this fruit. But the training begins long before adulthood. Self-Control Prepares Children for Faithful Discipleship Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). That is the heart of self-control. A disciple must deny himself. He must not treat personal desire as lord. He must be willing to give up sin, endure hardship, obey Christ, and follow God’s will even when it is difficult. Parents who teach self-control are helping prepare children for discipleship. A child who learns to deny himself in small matters is being trained for larger matters. A child who learns to submit his desires to his parents is being prepared to submit his will to God. A child who learns that “I want” does not settle the matter is learning something essential for Christianity. No one can follow Christ faithfully while being ruled by self. Teaching Self-Control in Everyday Life Self-control is taught in ordinary moments. It is taught when a child waits. It is taught when he receives no. It is taught when he controls his tongue. It is taught when he stops before anger becomes sin. It is taught when he turns away from wrong entertainment. It is taught when he finishes work before play. It is taught when parents model restraint. It is taught when Scripture is opened and applied. The world will teach children to follow their feelings, satisfy their desires, express every impulse, and resist restraint. Parents must teach something better. Teach them to rule their spirits. Teach them to deny sinful desires. Teach them to govern their words. Teach them to control anger. Teach them to wait. Teach them to obey. Teach them to follow Christ. Self-control is not a small lesson. It is part of preparing a child to live faithfully before God. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that strong feelings do not excuse sinful words or actions? Do I help my children practice saying no to wrong desires, peer pressure, and sinful entertainment? Am I consistent in training my children to wait, listen, obey, and accept limits? Do my children see self-control in my speech, anger, appetite, spending, entertainment, and time? What ordinary situation this week can I use to help my children learn to rule their spirits?

By Al Felder Children need to learn how to handle correction. No child grows in wisdom without instruction, warning, discipline, and reproof. Correction is not pleasant in the moment, but it is necessary. A child who cannot receive correction will struggle in the home, in school, in work, in marriage, in the church, and most importantly, before God. The Bible says, “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1). That is plain language. God does not treat a correctable spirit as optional. A person who refuses correction is walking foolishly. Parents must teach children that correction is not hatred. Proper correction is love. It is guidance. It is protection. It is training. It is one of the ways parents help their children learn what is right before God. Hebrews 12:11 says, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness.” Children need to understand that correction may hurt for a moment, but if received properly, it can produce good fruit. Correction Begins With God’s Love Children should learn that correction is part of love. Many children think correction means someone is against them. They may feel embarrassed, angry, rejected, or misunderstood. They may assume that a parent who corrects them is being unfair or unkind. Parents must patiently teach that correction, when done rightly, is an expression of care. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For whom the LORD loves He chastens.” God corrects because He loves. He does not correct to destroy His people, but to train them in holiness and righteousness. Parents should reflect that same purpose. Discipline should never be a parent’s uncontrolled anger. It should never be humiliation, cruelty, revenge, or selfish irritation. Correction should come from a desire to help the child do what is right. A child should hear this often: “I am correcting you because I love you and want you to obey God.” Children Must Learn to Listen The first step in receiving correction is listening. Many children respond to correction by interrupting, arguing, blaming, crying loudly, changing the subject, or defending themselves before they have even heard what is being said. Parents must teach children to quiet themselves long enough to hear. James 1:19 says, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” That is a needed lesson in the home. Children must learn that when correction comes, their first duty is not to argue. Their first duty is to listen. Parents can train this with simple expectations: Look at the person speaking. Do not interrupt. Do not roll your eyes. Do not walk away. Do not answer before hearing. Do not raise your voice. Listen carefully enough to understand what needs to change. These habits may seem small, but they shape the heart. A child who learns to listen to correction from parents is being prepared to listen to correction from God’s word. Correction Requires Humility A proud child hates correction. Pride says, “I did nothing wrong.” Pride says, “It was not my fault.” Pride says, “You are being unfair.” Pride says, “Others are worse than I am.” Pride says, “I should not have to change.” Humility says, “I need to hear what is right.” Proverbs 13:18 says, “Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” Refusing correction leads to shame. Receiving correction leads to growth. Parents must teach children that being corrected does not mean they are worthless. It means they are being trained. Everyone needs correction. Children need correction. Parents need correction. Christians need correction. The wise person is not the one who never needs reproof, but the one who receives it and grows. A child who learns humility will be able to say, “I was wrong,” “I need to change,” and “Thank you for helping me see that.” Children Must Learn Not to Make Excuses Excuse-making is one of the greatest enemies of correction. Children may say: “I forgot.” “I was tired.” “He made me do it.” “She started it.” “I did not mean to.” “I was just joking.” “Everybody else does it.” Sometimes circumstances may explain part of what happened, but they do not automatically remove responsibility. Parents should listen fairly, but they must not allow excuses to replace repentance. Adam tried to shift blame after he sinned. Eve also shifted blame (Genesis 3:12-13), but God still held each one accountable. Blame did not remove guilt. Children must learn to answer for their own choices. Romans 14:12 says, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” A child who constantly excuses himself is not learning wisdom. He is learning how to avoid responsibility. Parents should teach children to say plainly, “I did wrong.” That sentence may be hard, but it is necessary. Correction Should Lead to Repentance The goal of correction is not merely punishment. The goal is change. Second Corinthians 7:10 says, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.” Sorrow by itself is not enough. A child may cry because he was caught, because he is embarrassed, or because he dislikes the consequence. However, godly sorrow should lead to repentance. Parents should teach children that repentance means turning from wrong. If a child lied, repentance means telling the truth. If he stole, repentance means returning what was taken. If he spoke harshly, repentance means apologizing and learning to speak with kindness. If he disobeyed, repentance means submitting to rightful authority. Matthew 3:8 says, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Repentance has fruit. Parents should not be satisfied with empty words that never produce change. A child should learn to ask, “What do I need to do differently?” Correction Teaches Children to Love Wisdom Children should learn that correction is one of the ways wisdom enters the heart. Proverbs 15:31 says, “The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise.” A wise child listens when someone warns him. He does not despise reproof. He does not resent the person who cares enough to speak. Parents can help children see correction as a gift. A child who is never corrected may feel free for a time, but he is not being helped. He is being left to himself. Proverbs 29:15 says, “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Children do not become wise simply by being allowed to do whatever they want. They need training. They need correction. They need boundaries. They need instruction. Correction is not the enemy of joy; sin is. Correction helps turn the child away from what will harm him. Parents Must Correct With Self-Control Parents also need to examine themselves. Children must learn to receive correction, but parents must learn to give correction in a godly way. A parent who corrects in uncontrolled anger may teach fear, bitterness, or confusion instead of wisdom. James 1:20 says, “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” A parent’s rage does not create righteousness in a child. Shouting, mocking, threatening, insulting, or humiliating may produce outward compliance for a moment, but it does not faithfully train the heart. Ephesians 6:4 says fathers must not provoke their children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Correction should be firm, but it should also be fair, calm, purposeful, and rooted in love. Parents should ask themselves: Am I correcting to train, or am I reacting because I am irritated? Am I being consistent, or am I correcting only when I am tired or embarrassed? Am I explaining what was wrong, or only punishing? Am I pointing the child back to God? Am I modeling the self-control I expect from my child? The way correction is given matters. Correction Must Be Consistent Children need consistency. If wrong is corrected one day and ignored the next, children become confused. If parents threaten consequences but do not follow through, children learn not to take instruction seriously. If one child is corrected harshly while another is excused for the same wrong, bitterness may grow. Jesus said, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37). Parents should be careful with their words. They should not make empty threats, careless promises, or emotional statements they do not intend to keep. Consistency teaches children that instruction matters. This does not mean every situation is identical. Parents must use wisdom. Age, understanding, intent, pattern, and circumstances may affect how correction is handled, but the standard should remain clear: sin is not ignored, disrespect is not excused, lying is not tolerated, and obedience is expected. A consistent home gives children moral stability. Correction Should Be Connected to Scripture Parents should not correct merely by personal preference. Children need to learn that right and wrong are defined by God. When possible, parents should connect correction to Scripture naturally and simply. If a child lies, Proverbs 12:22 teaches that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. If a child speaks harshly, Ephesians 4:29 teaches that corrupt words should not proceed from the mouth. If a child disobeys, Ephesians 6:1 teaches children to obey their parents in the Lord. If a child refuses to forgive, Ephesians 4:32 teaches forgiveness. If a child complains, Philippians 2:14 teaches doing all things without complaining and disputing. This does not mean every correction must become a long sermon. Sometimes a brief reminder is enough, but children should gradually learn that correction is not simply, “I do not like that.” It is, “God’s word teaches us what is right.” Scripture gives correction authority beyond parental opinion. Children Must Learn to Accept Consequences Correction often includes consequences. Consequences help children connect choices with outcomes. A child who lies may lose trust. A child who destroys something may need to repair or replace it. A child who wastes time may lose a privilege. A child who refuses a responsibility may need to complete it before doing something enjoyable. Galatians 6:7 says, “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Children need to learn that choices produce results. Parents should not remove every consequence simply because a child is upset. Tears do not always mean repentance. Disappointment does not mean the correction is wrong. A child may need to feel the weight of his choice in order to learn wisdom. Consequences should be appropriate, fair, and connected to training. They should not be cruel or excessive, but they should be real enough to teach. A child who never experiences consequences may grow careless with sin. Children Should Learn to Be Thankful for Correction This lesson takes time, but children should eventually learn to be thankful for correction. Proverbs 9:8 says, “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.” That is a mark of wisdom. The wise person recognizes that faithful correction is a blessing. Children may not feel thankful at first. Correction is painful, but parents can teach them to look beyond the moment. Correction helped you tell the truth. Correction helped you stop a harmful habit. Correction helped you learn self-control. Correction helped you make things right. Correction helped protect your soul. A child who grows to appreciate correction is becoming wise. Parents can help by praising humble responses: “Thank you for listening.” “I am glad you told the truth.” “That was hard, but you accepted correction well.” “That is how we grow.” Encouragement strengthens the lesson. Parents Must Model Receiving Correction Parents cannot teach a correctable spirit while refusing correction themselves. Children notice whether parents receive correction from Scripture. They notice whether parents admit wrong. They notice whether parents apologize. They notice whether parents become defensive when corrected. They notice whether parents blame others. If parents are never wrong in their own eyes, children will learn pride. James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Parents must show children that God’s word corrects adults too. A father may need to apologize for speaking harshly. A mother may need to admit she judged too quickly. Parents may need to confess that they handled a situation poorly. This does not weaken parental authority. It teaches children that everyone stands under God’s authority. A parent who receives correction humbly gives children a living example of wisdom. Correction Prepares Children for the Gospel Children must learn to handle correction because the gospel itself corrects man. The gospel tells man he is a sinner. It tells him he cannot save himself. It tells him he must believe Christ, repent of sin, confess the Lord, be baptized for the remission of sins, and live faithfully. That message requires humility. Some people reject the gospel because they do not want to be corrected. They want comfort without repentance, grace without submission, and salvation without obedience. Children who learn to receive correction in the home are being prepared to receive correction from God’s word. They are learning to say, “God is right, and I must change.” Acts 2 shows people who were “cut to the heart” by the preaching of the truth. They did not attack the apostles or excuse themselves. They asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). That is the spirit parents should want to cultivate in their children. A correctable heart is a heart that can be led toward repentance. Teaching Correction in Everyday Life Correction is taught in ordinary moments. It is taught when a child lies and must tell the truth. It is taught when he disobeys and must submit. It is taught when he speaks harshly and must apologize. It is taught when he complains and must learn gratitude. It is taught when he fails a responsibility and must finish it. It is taught when parents correct calmly and consistently. It is taught when Scripture is opened and applied. These moments are not interruptions to parenting. They are parenting. Children need to learn that correction is not rejection. Correction is training. Correction is love. Correction is protection. Correction is part of wisdom. The world will teach children to resist correction, defend themselves, blame others, and follow their own hearts. Parents must teach something better. Teach them to listen. Teach them to humble themselves. Teach them to repent. Teach them to accept consequences. Teach them to thank God for instruction. Teach them to receive correction so they can grow in wisdom before Him. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that correction is an expression of love and training, not rejection? Do I correct my children with self-control, consistency, and Scripture? How do my children usually respond to correction: listening, humility, excuses, anger, or blame? Do my children see me receive correction from God’s word and admit when I am wrong? What ordinary moment this week can I use to help my children learn to receive correction wisely?

By Al Felder Children need to learn God’s design for marriage and the home. They are growing up in a world that is deeply confused about marriage, family, male and female, commitment, purity, authority, and love. Many people treat marriage as temporary, redefine it according to culture, enter it casually, leave it carelessly, or reject God’s order altogether. Parents must teach their children better. Marriage is not man’s invention. The home is not a social experiment. Male and female are not accidents. Husband, wife, father, mother, and children are not empty titles to be reshaped by personal desire. These things belong to God’s design. Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” From the beginning, God established marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Jesus later quoted this passage and said, “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). Children need to learn that marriage is holy because God designed it. Marriage Begins With God’s Creation Parents should teach children that marriage goes back to the beginning. God created Adam. Then He said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:18). God made woman and brought her to the man. Marriage was not created by culture, government, tradition, or human preference. It was created by God. This is important because whoever creates a thing has the right to define it. Man does not have authority to redefine marriage. Society may change laws, culture may change language, people may change opinions, but none of that changes what God established. Jesus said, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female’?” (Matthew 19:4). That statement is foundational. Marriage rests upon God’s creation of male and female. A husband is male. A wife is female. The marriage covenant joins the two together as one flesh. Children should learn this clearly, calmly, and confidently. God made marriage. God defined marriage. God’s design is good. Marriage Is One Man and One Woman for Life Children need to learn the permanence of marriage. Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). Marriage is not meant to be temporary. It is not a trial arrangement. It is not to be entered lightly or abandoned carelessly. It is a covenant relationship before God. Malachi 2:14 refers to the wife as “your companion and your wife by covenant.” That word matters. Marriage is not merely a romantic relationship. It is a solemn covenant. Parents should teach children that marriage is one man and one woman joined by God for life. The world may treat divorce as common, but children must learn that God takes marriage seriously. Jesus gave one exception for putting away and marrying another: fornication (Matthew 19:9). Children may not need the full details when very young, but as they mature, they should understand that God’s marriage law is not governed by personal unhappiness, selfish desire, or cultural convenience. Marriage should be entered into with reverence because God is involved. Children Should Learn the Difference Between Love and Selfish Desire The world often teaches children that love is mainly emotion, attraction, excitement, or personal fulfillment. Biblical love is deeper. Love acts for the good of another. Love sacrifices. Love serves. Love remains faithful. Love tells the truth. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not seek its own. First Corinthians 13:4-5 says, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up… does not seek its own.” Children need to learn this long before they think about marriage. If a child grows up thinking love is mainly about how another person makes him feel, he may enter marriage selfishly. He may think marriage exists to satisfy him. He may leave when feelings change. He may confuse lust with love, attention with commitment, and romance with covenant. Parents should teach children that true love is governed by God’s will. Love does not use people. Love does not manipulate. Love does not demand sin. Love does not abandon duty. Love does not seek pleasure at the cost of righteousness. Love serves faithfully. The Home Needs God’s Order Children should learn that God designed order within the home. This does not mean one person is more valuable than another. Men and women are both made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Husbands, wives, and children all have value before Him, but equality of worth does not remove distinction of role. Ephesians 5 teaches that the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is head of the church (Ephesians 5:23). Husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:25). Wives are taught to submit to their own husbands as to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22). Children are commanded to obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1). Parents must teach these truths without embarrassment. The world may call God’s order outdated, but God’s wisdom is not improved by rebellion. A home functions best when each person honors the role God has given. A husband must not use headship as selfish control. He must lead with sacrificial love. A wife must not see submission as humiliation. She honors God by respecting His order. Children must not rule the home. They must learn obedience and honor. God’s order is not oppression. It is design. Fathers Should Teach Their Sons How to Become Godly Men Boys need to learn what kind of men they should become. Manhood is not arrogance, harshness, laziness, lust, domination, or selfish independence. A godly man fears the Lord, governs himself, works diligently, speaks truth, protects what is entrusted to him, serves humbly, and leads according to God’s word. A son should see his father honoring God, loving his wife, working faithfully, keeping promises, controlling anger, speaking respectfully, worshiping reverently, and accepting correction from Scripture. Ephesians 6:4 gives fathers a direct responsibility: “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Fathers should not be absent, passive, careless, or spiritually silent. They should help shape their children’s understanding of authority, love, discipline, and faith. A boy who sees a godly father has a living example of what manhood should look like. If a father has failed, he should repent and begin doing right. Children need honest examples of growth, humility, and obedience. Mothers Should Teach Their Daughters How to Become Godly Women Girls need to learn what kind of women they should become. Womanhood is not vanity, immodesty, rebellion, manipulation, loud self-display, or worldly independence from God’s design. A godly woman fears the Lord, practices purity, shows kindness, works faithfully, speaks with wisdom, loves her family, and adorns herself with the hidden person of the heart. Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” Daughters need to hear that truth often. Their value is not found in worldly beauty, attention, popularity, or comparison. Their highest beauty is a heart that fears God. Titus 2:4-5 shows that older women are to teach younger women to love their husbands, love their children, be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, and obedient to their own husbands. Mothers should model and teach these qualities with humility and consistency. A daughter who sees godly womanhood lived in the home is being given a powerful gift. Children Should Learn Purity Before Marriage Parents must teach children purity. The world often treats sexual sin as normal, harmless, or inevitable. God does not. Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Children should learn that sexual purity belongs to God’s design. The marriage relationship is honorable within marriage, but fornication, adultery, lust, immodesty, and impurity are sinful. This instruction should be age-appropriate, modest, and wise. Parents should not unnecessarily awaken curiosity, but neither should they remain silent while the world teaches impurity boldly. Children should learn: The body belongs under God’s authority. Marriage is the proper place for sexual union. Lust is sinful. Immodesty is dangerous. Pornography and impurity corrupt the heart. Fornication is sin. Adultery is sin. God’s way protects the soul. First Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee sexual immorality.” Some sins must not be entertained or negotiated with. They must be fled. Children Should Learn That Marriage Requires Faithfulness Faithfulness is essential to marriage. A husband and wife must keep covenant with one another. They must not betray trust, flirt with sin, hide unfaithfulness, or treat marriage vows lightly. Proverbs 5 teaches the danger of sexual temptation and calls a man to rejoice with the wife of his youth. Children should grow up understanding that marriage requires loyalty in heart, eyes, words, and actions. Faithfulness begins before marriage. A child who learns honesty, self-control, purity, modesty, and respect for authority is being prepared for future faithfulness. Parents should teach children that marriage is not protected only by avoiding adultery after vows are made. It is protected by building character before marriage begins. A faithful spouse grows from a faithful heart. Children Should Learn How a Husband Should Love His Wife Sons and daughters both need to know what godly husbandly love looks like. Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” That standard is high. A husband’s leadership must be shaped by Christ’s sacrificial love. Children should not be taught that headship means selfish rule. A husband must not be cruel, lazy, harsh, manipulative, or proud. He should provide spiritual leadership, protect his home, love his wife, honor her, and seek her good. First Peter 3:7 teaches husbands to dwell with their wives with understanding and give honor to the wife. A godly husband does not belittle his wife. He does not treat her as inferior. He honors her as God commands. A daughter should learn not to admire men who are ungodly, selfish, or disrespectful. A son should learn that he must become the kind of man who can love, lead, and sacrifice. Children Should Learn How a Wife Should Respect Her Husband Children also need to learn what godly womanhood looks like in marriage. Ephesians 5:33 says, “Let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Respect does not mean approving sin, enabling abuse, or following a husband into disobedience against God. Acts 5:29 still stands: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” However, in God’s design, a wife should honor her husband’s role and help build the home rather than tear it down. Proverbs 14:1 says, “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.” Children should see that words, attitudes, priorities, and conduct can build or damage a home. A daughter should learn that godly femininity is beautiful and strong when it submits to God. A son should learn to value and honor a woman who fears the Lord. Children Should Learn That the Home Is a Place of Teaching God designed the home as a place where children are trained. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 shows parents teaching God’s words diligently to their children in daily life. Instruction was not limited to public assemblies. It belonged in the home, in conversation, in ordinary moments. Parents must not surrender spiritual teaching to the world. Children should learn Scripture at home. They should learn prayer at home. They should learn obedience at home. They should learn kindness at home. They should learn forgiveness at home. They should learn worship at home. They should learn purity at home. They should learn responsibility at home. The home is one of the first classrooms for the soul. Children Should Learn That Marriage Is Not Always Easy Parents should not teach children a shallow view of marriage. Marriage brings blessings, but it also requires patience, forgiveness, sacrifice, endurance, and humility. Two people do not become one flesh without learning to give, listen, repent, and serve. Children should not see constant fighting, bitterness, cruelty, or disrespect normalized in the home, but they should see how Christians handle difficulty when it comes. They should see apologies. They should see forgiveness. They should see calm discussion. They should see prayer. They should see faithfulness even when feelings are strained. They should see parents choosing covenant over selfishness. Colossians 3:13 says Christians are to bear with one another and forgive one another. That belongs in marriage too. A child who sees faithful endurance learns that love is more than emotion. Children Must Be Protected From Distorted Views of the Home The world teaches many false ideas about the home. It teaches that gender is self-defined. It teaches that marriage can be anything mankind wants it to be. It teaches that divorce is a simple path to happiness. It teaches that sexual sin is freedom. It teaches that children should rule themselves. It teaches that authority is oppression. It teaches that personal desire is the highest good. Parents must answer these lies with Scripture. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world.” Children must learn that God’s people do not accept every idea simply because it becomes popular. God’s design is not corrected by culture. Parents should speak plainly, lovingly, and biblically. Children need clarity before confusion takes root. Parents Must Model the Home They Teach Parents cannot faithfully teach God’s design for the home while ignoring it themselves. Children notice how father treats mother. They notice how mother treats father. They notice whether parents keep promises. They notice whether Scripture governs decisions. They notice whether love is patient. They notice whether correction is fair. They notice whether worship is prioritized. They notice whether forgiveness is practiced. They notice whether parents respect God’s roles. No home is perfect, but every home should be striving to honor God. When parents sin, they should repent. When they fail, they should correct course. When they struggle, they should return to Scripture. This teaches children that God’s design is not abandoned because people are imperfect. It is obeyed because God is right. Teaching Children to Value the Home Children need to learn that the home is a blessing. It is not merely a place to sleep, eat, and keep possessions. A godly home is a place of training, love, discipline, hospitality, service, correction, worship, forgiveness, and preparation for eternity. Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD.” Children are not burdens to be managed around adult selfishness. They are entrusted to parents by God. Parents should teach children to value family relationships. They should teach siblings to love one another, serve one another, forgive one another, and speak respectfully. They should teach children to honor father and mother and to care for family duties. The home should point children toward God. Marriage Points to Christ and the Church Marriage also teaches something greater than itself. Ephesians 5 connects marriage to Christ and the church. The husband’s love reflects Christ’s love for the church. The wife’s submission reflects the church’s submission to Christ. This does not make marriage a mere symbol, but it does show that marriage carries deep spiritual meaning. Children should learn that Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:25). They should see that marriage, when lived according to God’s design, helps display order, love, sacrifice, and faithfulness. A home shaped by Scripture becomes a living lesson. It teaches children about authority. It teaches love. It teaches service. It teaches commitment. It teaches forgiveness. It teaches reverence for Christ. Teaching Marriage and the Home in Everyday Life Parents teach children about marriage and the home every day. They teach when father and mother speak to each other. They teach when conflict is handled. They teach when roles are honored. They teach when purity is discussed. They teach when children are corrected. They teach when Scripture governs decisions. They teach when worship is prioritized. They teach when love serves instead of demanding. They teach when forgiveness is practiced. The world will continue trying to redefine marriage and confuse the home. Parents must continue teaching God’s design. Marriage is one man and one woman for life. The home has order. Children must be trained. Purity must be guarded. Love must be sacrificial. God’s word must rule. Christ must be honored in the home. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that marriage was designed by God, not invented by man? Do my children understand that marriage is one man and one woman for life according to Scripture? Am I modeling love, respect, forgiveness, and faithfulness in the home? Do I teach my children purity, modesty, and self-control before the world teaches them impurity? What daily habits in our home need to better reflect God’s design for marriage and family?

By Al Felder Children need to learn to guard their hearts. The heart is where thoughts, desires, motives, attitudes, choices, and character begin to form. A child’s outward behavior matters, but outward behavior grows from something deeper. What a child loves, listens to, thinks about, envies, fears, excuses, and desires will shape the direction of his life. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” That is a powerful lesson for parents to teach. The heart must be kept, guarded, watched, and trained because life flows from it. Many parents carefully guard their children’s physical safety. They watch where they go, who they are with, what dangers may harm them, and what situations are unsafe. That kind of care is necessary, but parents must also guard something even more important: the child’s heart. The world is constantly trying to shape children from within. It wants their desires, attention, imagination, identity, loyalties, and values. Parents must teach children that the heart should not be left open to every influence. The Heart Directs the Life Children need to understand that the heart matters because the heart leads the life. Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Words do not come from nowhere. Angry words, dishonest words, disrespectful words, cruel words, and proud words reveal something happening inside. Jesus also taught that evil things proceed from the heart (Mark 7:21-23). Sin does not begin only when the outward act appears. It often begins when the heart welcomes wrong thoughts, feeds wrong desires, and refuses correction. Parents should help children see this connection. A lie may begin with fear of consequences. A harsh word may begin with anger. A jealous attitude may begin with comparison. Disobedience may begin with self-will. Mocking may begin with pride. Laziness may begin with love of ease. Children need to learn that guarding the heart means dealing with sin before it grows into words and actions. Children Must Learn to Watch Their Thoughts The mind is not a playground where anything may safely enter. Children need to be taught that thoughts matter. What they think about repeatedly will influence what they desire and eventually what they do. A child who constantly thinks about revenge may become bitter. A child who constantly thinks about what others have may become envious. A child who constantly thinks about wrong pleasures may become impure. A child who constantly thinks about himself may become proud and selfish. Philippians 4:8 says to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Parents should teach children that God cares about what fills the mind. This does not mean every passing thought is chosen. Sometimes thoughts come quickly or unexpectedly, but children can learn not to feed every thought, follow every thought, or enjoy every thought. They can learn to ask: Is this true? Is this pure? Is this pleasing to God? Should I keep thinking about this? Does this thought make me more thankful, humble, obedient, and kind? The heart is guarded when thoughts are brought under the rule of God’s word. Children Must Guard What They Watch and Hear What enters the eyes and ears affects the heart. Children are surrounded by screens, music, videos, games, books, conversations, jokes, advertisements, and online influences. Many of these influences are designed to capture attention and shape desire. Some openly promote sin. Others slowly make sin seem normal, funny, attractive, or harmless. Psalm 101:3 says, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.” That principle is deeply needed in the home. Children must learn that not everything available should be watched. Not every song should be heard. Not every video should be clicked. Not every book should be read. Not every conversation should be joined. Parents must not hand children unrestricted access to influences they are not mature enough to judge. A child may not understand how entertainment can train the heart. Parents must help them see it. If a show makes lying funny, it is teaching. If music glorifies lust, pride, rebellion, or violence, it is teaching. If a game trains cruelty or celebrates evil, it is teaching. If online content mocks parents, holiness, modesty, truth, or worship, it is teaching. Parents must ask not only, “Is this entertaining?” but, “What is this shaping in my child’s heart?” The Heart Must Be Guarded From Pride Pride is one of the great dangers of the heart. Children may become proud of appearance, ability, intelligence, possessions, popularity, family name, accomplishments, or religious knowledge. Pride can make a child unteachable, disrespectful, jealous, and harsh toward others. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Parents must teach children that pride is dangerous because it lifts self above proper place before God and others. A child who thinks too highly of himself may refuse correction. He may mock those who struggle. He may become angry when not praised. He may envy those who receive attention. He may begin to think rules should bend around him. Parents should teach humility early. Every ability is from God. Every blessing is received. Every person needs correction. Every soul is accountable. No child is too important to obey. No talent makes sin acceptable. Guarding the heart means refusing pride a home within it. The Heart Must Be Guarded From Envy Envy quietly poisons the heart. Children may envy another child’s toys, clothes, appearance, grades, abilities, friendships, attention, or opportunities. If envy is not corrected, it can grow into resentment, bitterness, gossip, cruelty, and discontentment. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.” Envy does not make a child happier. It makes him miserable. It teaches him to resent blessings instead of thanking God for what he has. Parents should teach children to rejoice when others are blessed. If a friend succeeds, be glad. If a sibling receives praise, do not become bitter. If someone has something you do not have, do not resent them. If another person has ability, appreciate it. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” That is hard for an envious heart, but it is part of Christian character. Guarding the heart means learning to thank God instead of resenting others. The Heart Must Be Guarded From Lust and Impurity Children must be taught, as they mature, to guard the heart from lust and impurity. This must be handled with wisdom, modesty, and age-appropriate instruction, but it must not be ignored. The world often exposes children to impurity early and repeatedly. Parents must teach them that the body, the eyes, the thoughts, and the desires must be governed by God. Jesus warned that lust in the heart is sinful (Matthew 5:28). That means purity is not merely outward behavior. The heart must be kept pure. Children should learn to look away from what is immodest or impure. They should learn not to seek out sinful images, conversations, jokes, or entertainment. They should learn not to treat people as objects. Boys must learn to respect girls. Girls must learn to value purity and modesty. Both must learn that God sees the heart. Second Timothy 2:22 says, “Flee also youthful lusts.” Some temptations are not to be entertained, tested, or negotiated with. They are to be fled. Guarding the heart means refusing to let impurity settle there. The Heart Must Be Guarded From Bitterness Bitterness can begin early. A child may be hurt, corrected, disappointed, embarrassed, or treated unfairly. If he does not learn to deal with hurt properly, he may store anger in his heart. Over time, that anger can become bitterness. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you.” Bitterness is not harmless because it is hidden. It can shape the way a child sees people, remembers offenses, speaks about others, and responds to correction. Parents should teach children how to handle hurt. Tell the truth about what happened. Do not exaggerate. Do not seek revenge. Do not keep bringing up forgiven wrongs. Forgive when there is repentance. Set wise boundaries when needed. Pray for help. Trust God. Bitterness often grows when a child keeps replaying an offense and feeding resentment. Guarding the heart means refusing to let old wounds become a home for hatred. The Heart Must Be Filled With God’s Word A guarded heart is not an empty heart. It is not enough simply to keep certain things out. Parents must help children fill the heart with what is good. God’s word must be placed deeply within them. Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” Scripture in the heart helps protect against sin. It gives children truth to remember when they are tempted, corrected, confused, afraid, or pressured. Parents should help children memorize Scripture, understand Scripture, talk about Scripture, and apply Scripture. The Bible should not be treated as something only for worship services. It belongs in the home and in daily life. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 shows parents teaching God’s words diligently to their children throughout ordinary moments. That same kind of steady instruction is needed today. Children need God’s word in their minds before the world fills them with something else. Parents Must Guard the Atmosphere of the Home Parents are responsible for the influences allowed in the home. The home should not be a place where worldliness is constantly entertained, and then children are expected to become spiritually minded. Parents cannot fill the home with sinful entertainment, disrespectful speech, immodesty, gossip, greed, and complaint while expecting children to love holiness. The atmosphere of the home matters. What is watched? What is heard? What is laughed at? What is praised? What is excused? What is talked about? What is prioritized? What is corrected? Children learn what the home loves. If the home loves God’s word, worship, prayer, kindness, truth, modesty, diligence, and service, children will see it. If the home loves entertainment, status, money, beauty, sports, popularity, or convenience more than God, children will see that too. Parents must guard the home because the home helps shape the heart. Parents Must Model a Guarded Heart Children need to see parents guarding their own hearts. A father must guard his eyes, speech, anger, desires, entertainment, and priorities. A mother must guard her words, attitudes, modesty, thoughts, and spirit. Parents must show that guarding the heart is not merely a rule for children. It is a responsibility for every Christian. Children notice hypocrisy. If parents forbid certain influences but indulge them privately, children may learn deception. If parents talk about purity but entertain impurity, children will be confused. If parents warn against gossip but speak harshly about others, the lesson will weaken. Proverbs 4:23 applies to parents too. Parents should be able to say, “We guard our hearts because we belong to God.” Children Must Learn to Examine Their Hearts Children should be taught to ask honest questions about what is happening inside. Why did I say that? What am I wanting too much? Am I angry because I was wronged or because I did not get my way? Am I jealous? Am I hiding something? Am I thinking about things I should not think about? Am I trying to please God or impress people? Second Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” While children may not grasp every aspect of self-examination early, they can begin learning the habit of looking honestly at the heart. Parents should help without crushing them. The goal is not to make children constantly anxious, but to train them to be honest before God. A child who learns to examine his heart is better prepared for repentance, humility, and faithful living. Guarding the Heart Prepares Children for the Gospel Understanding the heart helps children understand sin and salvation. Sin is not only outward misconduct. It includes wrong desires, wrong motives, wrong attitudes, and rebellion against God. Children must eventually understand that they need more than behavior improvement. They need forgiveness through Christ. The gospel addresses the heart. Faith comes from hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Repentance involves turning from sin. Confession acknowledges Christ. Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Faithful living requires ongoing submission to God. Parents should teach children that God wants more than outward appearance. He wants a heart that trusts, obeys, repents, worships, and loves Him. Guarding the heart prepares children to understand why the soul matters. Teaching Children to Guard Their Hearts Every Day Guarding the heart is taught in ordinary moments. It is taught when parents correct a bad attitude. It is taught when a child chooses entertainment. It is taught when jealousy appears. It is taught when a child speaks harshly. It is taught when lust, pride, anger, or bitterness must be addressed. It is taught when Scripture is memorized. It is taught when parents turn off what is sinful. It is taught when the family prays for pure hearts. These moments are not small. They are shaping the future direction of the child’s life. The world wants access to the heart. Parents must teach children to guard it. Guard what you think about. Guard what you watch. Guard what you love. Guard what you desire. Guard what you excuse. Guard what you allow to shape you. Out of the heart spring the issues of life. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that the heart shapes words, actions, attitudes, and choices? Do I carefully guard what enters my children’s hearts through entertainment, devices, music, books, and friendships? Am I helping my children recognize pride, envy, lust, bitterness, and selfish desire before they grow stronger? Do my children see me guarding my own heart before God? What influence in our home needs to be removed, limited, or corrected so my children can better guard their hearts?

By Al Felder Children need to learn how to choose good friends. Friendship is powerful. The people children spend time with can shape their speech, attitudes, habits, interests, values, and spiritual direction. A friend can encourage what is right, or make wrong seem normal. A friend can strengthen reverence for God, or slowly weaken it. A friend can help a child walk wisely, or lead him into foolishness. Parents must not treat friendships as spiritually neutral. Children may think a friend is good simply because he is fun, popular, funny, talented, or accepting. Parents must teach them to think more deeply. A good friend is not merely someone who makes life enjoyable. A good friend helps, or at least does not hinder, one’s walk before God. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” That is a serious warning. Companionship changes people. Children need to learn that who they walk with matters. Friends Influence the Heart Parents should teach children that friendship affects the heart. A child may begin with strong convictions, but constant companionship with foolishness can wear down his resistance. He may start laughing at things he once knew were wrong. He may begin speaking like his friends, dressing like his friends, desiring what they desire, and excusing what they excuse. First Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” The warning begins with “Do not be deceived” because people often underestimate the influence of others. Children may say, “They will not affect me,” or “I know what is right,” or “I am just hanging around them.” But God says evil company corrupts. Parents need to help children understand that influence often happens slowly. A child may not abandon truth all at once. He may begin by tolerating what is wrong, then laughing at it, then defending it, then practicing it. That is why friendship must be chosen carefully. Not Every Friendly Person Is a Good Friend Children should be kind to others, but kindness is not the same as close companionship. Parents must teach children to treat all people with respect, compassion, and fairness. A Christian should not be rude, proud, or hateful toward others. However, close friendship is different. The people a child trusts, imitates, confides in, and spends much time with should be chosen with wisdom. Proverbs 22:24-25 says, “Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.” This passage shows that some companionships are dangerous because they teach patterns of sin. A child should learn to ask: Does this friend tell the truth? Does this friend respect parents and authority? Does this friend encourage obedience? Does this friend mock what is right? Does this friend pressure me to do wrong? Does this friend make sin seem funny? Does this friend help me become better or worse? These questions can help children see beyond personality and popularity. Friends Can Pull Children Toward Sin Children need to know that some friends will pressure them. They may pressure them to lie, disobey, use bad language, view sinful things, dress immodestly, disrespect parents, mock others, cheat, gossip, or hide behavior from adults. Sometimes the pressure will be obvious. Other times it will come through teasing, exclusion, laughter, or the desire to fit in. Exodus 23:2 says, “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil.” Children need that sentence stored deeply in their minds. The crowd may be wrong, loud, and make sin look normal, but the crowd does not have authority to change God’s will. Parents should prepare children before pressure comes. They can help them practice simple responses: “No, I am not doing that.” “That is wrong.” “I need to leave.” “I am going to tell my parents.” “I do not talk that way.” “I cannot watch that.” Children should not have to invent courage in the moment without training. Parents should teach them how to stand. Good Friends Encourage What Is Right A good friend can be a great blessing. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Friends can help one another become stronger, wiser, and more faithful. They can encourage good choices, honest speech, kindness, diligence, worship, and respect for God. Children should learn to value friends who help them do right. A good friend tells the truth. A good friend does not pressure others to sin. A good friend respects correction. A good friend speaks kindly. A good friend does not mock worship, the Bible, or obedience. A good friend wants what is best for the soul. A good friend can say hard things when needed. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” A true friend may correct, warn, or disagree because he cares. Children need to learn that a friend who always agrees with sin is not truly loving them. Parents Should Know Their Children’s Friends Parents should be involved in their children’s friendships. This does not mean hovering fearfully over every conversation, but it does mean paying attention. Parents should know who their children spend time with, what kind of influence those friends have, what they talk about, where they go, and what values are being reinforced. First Corinthians 15:33 does not become less true because a child is young. Evil company still corrupts good habits. Parents should ask thoughtful questions: Who did you spend time with today? What do they like to talk about? How do they treat others? Do they respect adults? Do they use clean speech? Do they encourage you to do right? Have they ever asked you to hide something? These questions should not be asked only as interrogation. They should be part of regular conversation. Parents who build open communication early will have more opportunity to guide wisely later. Parents Must Set Boundaries When Needed Sometimes parents must limit or end a friendship. This can be difficult. A child may not understand. He may feel embarrassed, angry, or lonely. Parents are responsible for protecting and training their children. If a friendship is clearly corrupting, parents must act. Proverbs 4:14-15 says, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.” That is strong language. Some paths should not be explored. They should be avoided. Parents should explain boundaries clearly. They can say, “We are not allowing this friendship to continue in the same way because it is leading you away from what is right.” Or, “You may be kind to this person, but you may not spend close, unsupervised time with them.” This is not hatred toward the other child. It is protection of the soul. Children must learn that not every relationship is safe for close companionship. Children Should Be Friendly Without Becoming Foolish Parents must also teach balance. Children should not become proud, cold, or self-righteous. They should not treat others as beneath them. Jesus ate with sinners, taught the lost, and showed compassion to those who needed truth and mercy. Christians should be kind, hospitable, and willing to influence others for good. However, Jesus was never led into sin by sinners. Children must learn the difference between being a light and being pulled into darkness. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men.” Light is meant to shine, but light must not become darkness by joining the sin it should expose. A child can be kind to someone without copying him. A child can speak respectfully without becoming closely attached. A child can invite someone to worship without joining sinful behavior. A child can show compassion without surrendering conviction. Parents should teach children to influence others for good while guarding their own hearts. Loneliness Can Make Bad Friendships Tempting Children may accept poor friendships because they are lonely. They may think a bad friend is better than no friend. They may fear being left out. They may compromise because they want belonging. Parents should take this seriously. Loneliness is painful, especially for children and teenagers, but loneliness must not be allowed to become an excuse for sin. Psalm 1:1 blesses the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful. Sometimes faithfulness requires standing apart. Children need to know that being alone for a time is better than walking with those who lead them away from God. Parents should help children find better companions where possible. They can encourage relationships with faithful children, cousins, older Christians, siblings, and godly families. They can create opportunities for wholesome fellowship, but they must also teach courage: it is better to stand with God than sit comfortably with the ungodly. Friendship Should Not Replace Family Guidance As children grow, friends may become more influential. Parents must not surrender their role. A child should not learn to value a friend’s opinion above parental instruction. He should not trust peer approval more than Scripture. He should not make decisions by asking, “What will my friends think?” while ignoring, “What does God say?” Proverbs 1:8 says, “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother.” Parents must continue teaching, warning, listening, and guiding. Children should be reminded that true friends will not ask them to dishonor father and mother. A friend who encourages rebellion against parents is dangerous. A friend who says, “Do not tell your parents,” should raise concern. Good friendships do not require secrecy from righteous authority. Parents Must Model Wise Companionship Children notice the friendships their parents choose. If parents maintain close companionship with worldly, immoral, divisive, or careless people, children may learn that influence does not matter. If parents gossip with friends, complain with friends, compromise with friends, or neglect spiritual priorities because of friends, children will notice. Parents should model wise companionship. Psalm 119:63 says, “I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.” That is the kind of companionship children need to see. Parents should value relationships with people who fear God, love truth, serve faithfully, and encourage righteousness. This does not mean parents should avoid all contact with the lost. Christians must teach and influence the lost, but close companionship should be chosen wisely. Parents should show children that friendships are spiritual decisions. Good Friends Help Children Serve God Good friendships can help children become stronger Christians. A faithful friend can encourage worship. A faithful friend can help resist temptation. A faithful friend can speak truth when others flatter. A faithful friend can pray, study, serve, and grow alongside another. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one,” because one can lift the other when he falls. Children need friends who will help lift them spiritually, not push them lower. Parents can teach children to become that kind of friend too. Do not only look for good friends. Be a good friend. Tell the truth. Encourage what is right. Refuse to join in sin. Help the weak. Forgive. Speak kindly. Stand faithfully. A child who learns to be a faithful friend can bless others deeply. Christ Must Be the Closest Friend Parents should ultimately point children to Christ. Human friends are valuable, but even the best human friend is imperfect. Friends may move away, disappoint, misunderstand, or fail. Christ is the perfect friend of the soul. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14). Friendship with Christ is not casual sentiment. It is tied to obedience. Children need to learn that the greatest relationship they can have is with the Lord. If a friendship pulls them away from Christ, it is too costly. If approval from friends becomes more important than approval from God, the heart is in danger. If they must choose between pleasing friends and obeying Christ, Christ must come first. Parents should teach children that no earthly friendship is worth losing the soul. Teaching Friendship in Everyday Life Parents teach children about friendship in ordinary moments. They teach when a child chooses who to sit with. They teach when a friend pressures him. They teach when a child is lonely. They teach when someone mocks what is right. They teach when the family discusses influence. They teach when parents model godly companionship. They teach when Scripture is opened and applied to relationships. Children need guidance before the wrong friendships take root deeply. The world will teach children to choose friends by popularity, amusement, acceptance, and shared interests. Parents must teach them to choose with wisdom. A good friend is a blessing. A foolish companion is dangerous, and every friendship should be measured by whether it helps or harms the soul. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that friendships influence the heart, speech, habits, and spiritual direction? Do I know who my children’s closest friends are and what kind of influence they have? Have I taught my children how to respond when friends pressure them to do wrong? Am I modeling wise companionship in my own friendships? What can I do this week to help my children build friendships that encourage faithfulness to God?

By Al Felder Children need to learn what the church is. Many people grow up thinking of the church as a building, a denomination, a social organization, a family tradition, or a place people attend when convenient. Others speak of “choosing a church” as if the church belongs to man and can be shaped by personal preference. Parents must teach their children something better. The church belongs to Christ. Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). That statement is important. He did not say He would build many competing churches with different names, doctrines, worship practices, and authorities. He said, “My church.” The church is His because He purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28). It is not man-made, man-owned, or man-governed. Children need to understand that the church is not something we redesign. It is something we must recognize, respect, and follow according to God’s word. The Church Belongs to Christ The church is not a human invention. Christ is its builder, owner, Savior, and head. Ephesians 1:22-23 says God “put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body.” That means the church is under the authority of Christ. Children should learn early that no man has the right to change what Christ built. If the church belongs to Christ, then its teaching must come from Christ. Its worship must be authorized by Christ. Its organization must follow Christ’s word. Its work must remain within what Christ has given. Its name, identity, doctrine, and practice must not be changed by human opinion. Colossians 1:18 says, “And He is the head of the body, the church.” A body does not direct the head. The head directs the body. In the same way, the church does not decide its own will apart from Christ. It submits to Him. Parents must teach children that loyalty to the church begins with loyalty to Christ. The Church Is the Body of Christ The New Testament describes the church as the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:4 says, “There is one body and one Spirit.” Since the body is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23), there is one church belonging to Christ. This truth is important because children will grow up in a world filled with religious division. They will hear people say, “Attend the church of your choice,” or “One church is as good as another.” However, Scripture teaches one body, one faith, one Lord, and one baptism (Ephesians 4:4-5). Parents should teach children to love truth enough to ask what the Bible says about the church, not merely what people around them say. The church is not divided into denominations by God’s design. Religious division is not something to celebrate. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be one (John 17:20-21). Paul pleaded that brethren “all speak the same thing” and that there be “no divisions” among them (1 Corinthians 1:10). Children need to learn that unity must be built on truth, not compromise. The Church Is Made Up of the Saved The church is not merely a list of people who attend a building. Acts 2 records the preaching of the gospel on Pentecost. Those who gladly received the word were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added to them (Acts 2:41). Then Acts 2:47 says, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” That verse is important. The Lord adds the saved to the church. Man does not join the church by signing a card, choosing a preference, or following a family tradition. One is added by the Lord when he obeys the gospel and is saved. Children should be taught that the church and salvation are not disconnected. Christ is the Savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23). To be saved by Christ is to be added to His people. Parents should teach children the gospel clearly. They need to learn about faith, repentance, confession, baptism for the remission of sins, and faithful living. They also need to understand that becoming a Christian is not merely becoming “religious.” It means being added by the Lord to the church that belongs to Christ. The Church Is Not the Building Children often hear people say, “We are going to church,” and they may begin to think the church is the building. Parents should help them understand the difference. The church may assemble in a building, but the building is not the church. The church is the people who belong to Christ. Christians are living stones being built up as a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). A building may be useful for assembling, teaching, and worshiping, but it is not holy in itself. This is important because children need to understand that Christianity is not confined to a location. The church assembles for worship, but Christians remain God’s people when they leave the building. Their conduct at home, school, work, and in the community should still reflect Christ. The church is not something they visit. It is the body to which the saved belong. Parents can teach this simply: “The building is where the church meets. The church is the people who belong to Jesus.” The Church Has a Pattern Parents should teach children that God has given a pattern for the church. Second Timothy 1:13 says, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words.” God has not left the church to guess its doctrine, worship, organization, or work. The New Testament reveals what Christ authorized. Children should learn that the church is to continue in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42). They should understand that preaching must be from the word of God (2 Timothy 4:2). They should learn that worship includes singing, prayer, preaching, giving, and the Lord’s Supper according to New Testament teaching. They should also learn that the church has local organization. Elders oversee the flock among them (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). Deacons serve according to the qualifications given in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Evangelists preach the word. Members work together under Christ. Parents should teach children that God’s pattern is not restrictive in a harmful way. It protects the church from human invention. It keeps man from replacing divine authority with personal desire. The Church Must Worship According to God’s Word Children need to learn that worship in the church is not based on entertainment or preference. God has revealed how Christians are to worship. The church sings (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), prays (Acts 2:42), hears the word preached (2 Timothy 4:2), gives as prospered on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2), and observes the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Parents should teach children that worship is not improved by adding what God did not authorize. The New Testament authorizes singing, not mechanical instruments of music. It authorizes the Lord’s Supper as a memorial of Christ’s death. It authorizes prayer to God. It authorizes preaching and teaching His word. It authorizes giving for the work of the church. Children must learn to ask, “What did God command?” rather than, “What do people enjoy?” That question will help them remain faithful when religious trends change. The Church Has a Work The church has work to do. It is not a social club, political organization, entertainment center, or human charity institution. The New Testament shows the church preaching the gospel, edifying the saints, worshiping God, and helping needy saints. The church is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). That means the church must uphold and proclaim the truth. Children should grow up understanding that the church’s mission is spiritual. It must preach Christ, teach sound doctrine, strengthen Christians, and honor God. The church also has responsibility toward needy saints. The New Testament gives examples of Christians helping brethren in need (Acts 4:32-35; Romans 15:25-26). Children should learn compassion, but they should also learn that the church’s work must remain under the authority of Scripture. Parents should teach children that the church must not become whatever man wants it to become. It must do the work Christ gave it. The Church Requires Faithful Members Children should learn that every Christian has responsibilities in the church. The church is a body, and every member has a place. First Corinthians 12 teaches that the body has many members, and all are needed. Not everyone has the same ability or role, but every Christian should serve faithfully. Children should not grow up thinking the church is something they merely receive from. They should learn that Christians worship, serve, encourage, give, teach where authorized, help, and bear one another’s burdens. Hebrews 10:24 says Christians should “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” The church is a family of believers who help one another remain faithful. Parents can begin teaching this early. Children can learn to greet brethren kindly, sit reverently, sing, listen, help older members, encourage others, visit the sick with parents, and respect the work of the congregation. A child who learns service early is less likely to grow up treating the church as a religious convenience. Children Must Learn to Love the Brethren The church is not only a place of instruction. It is a fellowship of saints. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Children should see love among brethren. They should see hospitality, encouragement, forgiveness, patience, compassion, and concern. Parents must be careful how they speak about brethren in front of their children. If children constantly hear criticism, gossip, suspicion, and complaint, they may grow to despise the church. If parents speak harshly about elders, preachers, members, and congregational matters, children may learn disrespect instead of love. That does not mean children should be taught to ignore sin or error. They should learn truth and discernment, but they should also learn to love the people of God. First Peter 2:17 says, “Love the brotherhood.” Parents should teach children to do that by word and example. The Church Must Be Kept Pure Parents should also teach children that the church must remain faithful to Christ. Love does not mean ignoring sin or tolerating false doctrine. The New Testament teaches correction, discipline, warning, and separation when necessary. Romans 16:17 says to note those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine learned, and avoid them. First Corinthians 5 teaches that open, unrepentant sin must not be treated lightly among God’s people. Children should understand that discipline is not hatred. Proper discipline seeks to protect the church, warn the sinner, and honor Christ. This lesson should be taught with balance. Children should not grow up suspicious or harsh, but neither should they grow up thinking truth does not matter. The church must love souls enough to correct sin and resist error. A faithful church is not one that pleases everyone. It is one that submits to Christ. Parents Must Model Faithfulness to the Church Children learn what parents truly believe about the church by watching how they live: They notice whether worship is prioritized. They notice whether Bible study matters. They notice whether parents serve or only complain. They notice whether giving is cheerful. They notice whether parents speak respectfully of elders and brethren. They notice whether the church is treated as essential or optional. If parents treat the church as secondary, children may learn to do the same. Matthew 6:33 says to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Parents must show children that the church belonging to Christ matters more than sports, recreation, entertainment, convenience, and worldly success. Faithfulness to the church is not merely attendance, but attendance matters. Service, encouragement, sound doctrine, reverence, and commitment matter. Parents should model all of it. The Church Points Children to Eternity The church is not merely about life now. Christ will save His body. Ephesians 5:27 speaks of the church being presented to Him glorious, holy, and without blemish. The church points children toward God's eternal purpose. When children learn about the church, they are learning about Christ’s kingdom, His people, His authority, His salvation, and His plan. They should understand that being part of the church is not about social identity. It is about belonging to Christ and living as one of His redeemed people. Parents should teach children to love the church because Christ loves the church. He “gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25). What Christ loved enough to die for, parents should teach children to value deeply. Teaching Children About the Church in Everyday Life Parents teach children about the church in ordinary moments: They teach when they prepare for worship. They teach when they explain why the church worships as it does. They teach when they speak about brethren. They teach when they serve others. They teach when they show respect for elders. They teach when they prioritize the assembly. They teach when they open Scripture and ask what Christ has authorized. They teach when they show love for the body of Christ. Children need to learn that the church is not a human denomination, a building, or a religious option among many: It is the body of Christ. It belongs to Him. It is governed by His word. It worships according to His authority. It does His work. It is made up of the saved. It must be loved because Christ loved it first. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that the church belongs to Christ and not to man? Do my children understand that the church is the body of Christ, not merely a building or denomination? Am I helping my children see from Scripture how the church worships, works, and is organized? Do my words about brethren, elders, worship, and congregational matters teach love and respect? What can I do this week to help my children love the church for which Christ died?

By Al Felder Children need to learn how to worship God. They need to learn that worship is not entertainment. It is not a weekly habit performed without thought. It is not a time for man to redesign what God has commanded. Worship is reverence offered to God according to His will. Parents should teach their children early that God cares how He is worshiped. Many people speak as though sincerity is all that matters. If someone means well, enjoys it, or feels close to God, they assume the worship must be acceptable. However, Scripture teaches something different. God has always required man to approach Him by faith, reverence, obedience, and respect for His authority. Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). That word “must” is important. Worship is not governed by human preference. It must be offered from the heart, and it must be according to truth. Parents must teach children that worship belongs to God, not man. Worship Begins With Reverence Children should learn that worship is holy because God is holy. When the family comes together with the saints, they are not merely attending an event. They are assembling to honor God. Prayer, singing, preaching, giving, and the Lord’s Supper should not be treated casually. Psalm 89:7 says, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” Reverence is not coldness. It is not lifeless formality. It is a deep awareness that God is worthy of honor. Children need to see reverence in their parents. They should see preparation before worship. They should see respect during prayer. They should see attention during preaching. They should see seriousness during the Lord’s Supper. They should hear singing from hearts that mean the words. They should know that worship is not playtime, social hour, or entertainment. A child who learns reverence early is being trained to approach God with humility. Worship Must Be According to Truth Jesus said worship must be “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Truth comes from God’s word. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Therefore, acceptable worship must be shaped by Scripture. Parents should teach children to ask, “What has God authorized?” That question is important because people often change worship based on enjoyment, tradition, emotion, or convenience. They may say, “I like it,” “It draws people,” “It feels meaningful,” or “Everyone else does it.” However, none of those statements gives divine authority. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” To act in the name of the Lord is to act by His authority. Worship must therefore be authorized by Christ. Children should learn that worship is not acceptable simply because people enjoy it. It is acceptable when God authorizes it, and the heart offers it sincerely. God Has Shown That Unauthorized Worship Matters The Bible gives serious warnings about worshiping God in ways He has not commanded. Nadab and Abihu offered “profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them” (Leviticus 10:1). Fire came out from the Lord and devoured them. God then said, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy” (Leviticus 10:3). That account teaches a lasting principle: God must be approached as holy, and man must not presume to offer what God has not commanded. Parents can teach this principle to children in simple ways. If God tells us what He wants, we should do that. We should not add our own ideas and then expect God to accept them. Respect for God means listening to Him. The same principle is seen in Cain and Abel. Abel offered his sacrifice “by faith” (Hebrews 11:4). Since faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), Abel’s worship was accepted because it aligned with what God had revealed. Cain’s was not accepted. Children need to understand that worship is not the place for self-will. It is the place for humble submission. Children Should Learn the Acts of Worship Parents should teach children what Christians do when they assemble to worship God. They should learn that Christians sing. Ephesians 5:19 says, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 also commands singing with grace in the heart. Children should learn to sing reverently, from the heart, with understanding. They should learn that Christians pray. Acts 2:42 says the early disciples continued steadfastly in “prayers.” Children should learn to bow respectfully, listen carefully, and understand that prayer is communication with God. They should learn that Christians hear the word of God preached. Paul charged Timothy to “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). Children should be taught to listen, learn, and respect the teaching of Scripture. They should learn that Christians give as they have prospered. First Corinthians 16:2 speaks of giving on the first day of the week. Children can begin learning generosity, stewardship, and the responsibility to support the work God has given the church. They should learn that Christians observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week. Acts 20:7 says, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread.” Children should learn that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ’s body and blood, not a common meal or casual ritual. These things should not be mysterious to children. Parents should explain them plainly and often. The Lord’s Supper Must Be Treated With Seriousness Children especially need to learn reverence for the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper points to the death of Christ. Jesus took bread and said, “This is My body.” He took the cup and said, “This is My blood of the new covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). Christians remember the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). Parents should teach children that this memorial is sacred. It is not snack time. It is not a distraction. It is not a moment for whispering, playing, or wandering thoughts. As children mature, they should learn what the bread and the cup represent. They should understand that Christians examine themselves when partaking (1 Corinthians 11:28). They should see that their parents approach the memorial with sobriety, gratitude, and reverence. Even before children are ready to partake, they can learn to respect the moment. Singing Is Worship, Not Entertainment Children also need to learn the purpose of singing. Singing in worship is not a performance. It is not about showing off voices, entertaining visitors, or creating emotional excitement. It is worship to God and teaching to one another. Ephesians 5:19 says Christians are to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” The melody God names is in the heart. Colossians 3:16 says singing is to teach and admonish one another. Parents should teach children to sing with understanding. They should not treat singing as optional or unimportant. Even young children can begin learning the words, the meaning, and the reverence of worship. They should also learn that worship must follow what God has authorized. The New Testament authorizes singing. Parents should teach children to be content with what God has given and not to add what He has not commanded. Worship Requires the Heart While worship must follow truth, it must also come from the heart. It is possible to do outward acts while the heart is far from God. Jesus rebuked people who honored God with their lips while their hearts were far from Him (Matthew 15:8). Children must learn that worship is not merely sitting in a building and going through motions. A child may sit still and still not be reverent. A person may sing words without meaning them. A person may bow during prayer while thinking of everything except God. A person may hear preaching without intending to obey. Parents should teach children that God sees the heart. Worship should be sincere. It should involve attention, understanding, gratitude, humility, and obedience. Parents should help children prepare their minds before worship. They can talk about why the family is assembling, what worship means, and how to participate reverently. The heart matters because God is not interested in empty ritual. Parents Must Teach Children How to Behave in the Assembly Children need training in the assembly. They do not automatically know how to sit, listen, sing, pray, or behave reverently. Parents must patiently teach them. This may take time, correction, and repeated instruction. Parents should not wait until children are older to begin. Young children can learn that worship is different from play. They can learn to sit with the family, listen quietly, hold a Bible or songbook, bow during prayer, and gradually follow along. This training should continue at home. Parents can explain what will happen in worship. They can practice songs. They can talk about the Lord’s Supper. They can teach children how to listen for Scripture references. They can ask questions afterward about what was preached. Training children for worship is not a distraction from worship. It is part of parental responsibility. However, parents should also remember to be patient. Children are learning. The goal is not merely outward control, but gradual training toward reverence and understanding. Parents Must Not Treat Worship as Optional Children learn what parents value. If worship is easily skipped for recreation, tiredness, travel, sports, convenience, or ordinary plans, children will notice. If parents speak of worship as a burden, children will notice. If the family is more excited about entertainment than assembling with the saints, children will notice. Hebrews 10:25 warns against forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. Worship with the saints must not be treated as an occasional activity when nothing else interferes. Parents should teach children that God comes first. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Children need to see that first means first. The Lord’s Day should be treated with seriousness. The assembly should be honored. Worship should be prioritized. This does not mean serving God is only about attending services, but it does mean children should not grow up thinking the assembly is optional. Worship Should Shape the Whole Week Parents should also teach children that worship is not disconnected from daily life. A person should not sing praises to God on the first day of the week and then live the rest of the week carelessly. Worship should arise from a life submitted to God. Romans 12:1 speaks of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. While this is not the same as the specific acts of assembled worship, it teaches that all of life belongs to God. Children need to learn that the same God we worship in the assembly must be honored in the home, school, work, friendships, speech, entertainment, and choices. Worship should not be a mask covering a worldly life. It should be the reverent expression of a heart that seeks God daily. Parents Must Model Acceptable Worship Children learn worship by watching their parents. They notice whether parents sing. They notice whether parents pray reverently. They notice whether parents listen during preaching. They notice whether parents partake of the Lord’s Supper with seriousness. They notice whether parents are distracted, whispering, checking devices, or treating worship casually. They also notice whether parents live consistently after worship ends. Parents cannot teach children reverence if they do not show reverence. They cannot teach the importance of worship while treating it as secondary. They cannot teach authority while accepting whatever religious practice seems appealing. Parents must model worship that is sincere, obedient, thoughtful, and reverent. Worship Points Children to Christ Acceptable worship keeps Christ at the center. The Lord’s Supper remembers His death. Singing praises His name. Prayer approaches the Father through Him. Preaching proclaims His word. Giving supports the work of His kingdom. Children need to understand that worship is not about entertaining us. It is about honoring God through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:15 says, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God.” Worship should rise from gratitude for what God has done through Christ. Parents should talk to children about Jesus before and after worship. They should help them see why the Lord’s Supper matters. They should explain why Christians sing, pray, give, and listen to Scripture. They should connect worship to the cross, the gospel, and eternal hope. Teaching Worship in Everyday Life Parents teach children to worship acceptably in ordinary ways. They teach when they prepare for the assembly. They teach when they insist on reverent behavior. They teach when they sing sincerely. They teach when they explain the Lord’s Supper. They teach when they open the Bible and ask what God authorizes. They teach when they prioritize worship over recreation. They teach when they live consistently through the week. Children need to learn that worship is not man-centered. It is God-centered. It must be sincere. It must be reverent. It must be authorized. It must be true. It must come from the heart. The world will offer children many forms of religion built on emotion, entertainment, and human tradition. Parents must teach them to ask a better question: “What does God want?” That question will help them worship God acceptably. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that worship belongs to God and must be offered according to His word? Do my children see reverence in the way I sing, pray, listen, give, and observe the Lord’s Supper? Am I helping my children understand why Christians worship as the New Testament authorizes? Have I allowed convenience, recreation, or habit to weaken the priority of worship in our home? What can I do this week to better prepare my children for reverent worship?

By Al Felder Children need to learn how to pray. Prayer is one of the greatest blessings God gives His people. Through prayer, children can learn dependence, reverence, thanksgiving, confession, trust, patience, and faith. They can learn that God is not distant from His people, and that life should be lived with constant awareness of Him. Children do not automatically understand prayer. They may think prayer is only something said before meals, at bedtime, or during worship. They may think prayer is only for asking God for things they want. They may think prayer works like a wish list, in which God is expected to grant whatever is requested. Parents must teach them what God says about prayer. Prayer is not magic. It is not a performance. It is not a substitute for obedience. Prayer is humble communication with God according to His will. First Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” That does not mean a person speaks every moment of the day, but it does mean prayer should be a regular, natural, faithful part of life. Children should grow up knowing that God’s people pray. Prayer Begins With Reverence Children need to learn that prayer is not casual talk with an equal. God is our Father, but He is also holy. He is Creator, Lord, Judge, and King. Prayer must be approached with reverence. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). Before requests are made, God’s name is honored. Children should learn that prayer begins with recognizing who God is. Parents should teach children to speak respectfully when praying. They should not use prayer as a joke, a performance, or a place for careless words. They should learn that bowing the head, closing the eyes, speaking sincerely, and listening quietly when others pray are ways of showing respect. The outward posture is not the heart itself, but it can help train the heart. Children should know that prayer is serious because God is listening. Prayer Teaches Dependence on God Children often think they can handle life on their own. They may think parents can fix everything. They may trust in possessions, ability, strength, or circumstances. Prayer teaches them that every blessing ultimately depends on God. James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Food, health, family, safety, wisdom, forgiveness, and hope all come from God. Children should learn to bring their needs before Him with humility. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). That simple request teaches dependence. Even daily food should remind us that we rely on God. Parents can teach this at the table, before travel, during sickness, before difficult decisions, and in times of uncertainty. Children should hear prayers that say, “Lord, we need Your help,” “Thank You for providing,” and “Help us do what is right.” A child who learns to pray learns that he is not self-sufficient. Prayer Should Include Thanksgiving Children must learn that prayer is not only asking but also thanking. Philippians 4:6 says, “In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Thanksgiving belongs with requests. A child should not learn to come to God only when he wants something. Parents should teach children to thank God for specific blessings: Thank You for this food. Thank You for our family. Thank You for Your word. Thank You for the church. Thank You for those who love us. Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for the hope of heaven. Specific thanksgiving helps children see God’s goodness more clearly. It trains them to notice blessings rather than constantly focus on what they lack. A thankful child will pray differently than an entitled child. Prayer Should Include Confession Children also need to learn that prayer is connected to honesty before God. When a child sins, he should not hide from God. He should learn to confess his wrongs, seek forgiveness, and turn from sin. Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Parents should teach children that God already knows the truth. Lying, hiding, blaming, or pretending may fool people for a time, but nothing is hidden from God. Hebrews 4:13 says all things are “naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” As children mature, they should learn to pray with humility: God, I was wrong. Help me tell the truth. Help me obey. Help me control my anger. Help me be kind. Help me repent. This kind of prayer must not be forced as empty words. Parents should teach children what confession means and help them understand that prayer should come from the heart. Prayer Must Be Joined With Obedience Parents must teach children that prayer does not replace obedience. A child cannot pray for forgiveness while refusing to repent. He cannot pray for wisdom while rejecting God’s instruction. He cannot pray for help to be kind while continuing to speak cruelly without correction. Prayer must be joined with a submissive heart. First John 3:22 says, “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” This does not mean that Christians earn blessings from God, but it does show that prayer belongs to a life that seeks to please Him. Children should understand that praying to God while ignoring His word is not faithful living. If a child prays for help in telling the truth, he must practice telling the truth. If he prays for help in obeying, he must obey. If he prays for forgiveness, he must repent. If he prays for kindness, he must speak and act kindly. God is not mocked by words that the heart does not intend to follow. Prayer Teaches Children to Trust God’s Will Children may ask God for many things. Some requests may be childish, selfish, or poorly understood. Others may be sincere and important. Parents should teach children that God hears His people, but He does not always answer in the way they expect. First John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Prayer must be shaped by God’s will. Jesus Himself prayed in Gethsemane, “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). That is one of the most important lessons in prayer children can learn. Even when the desire is strong, God’s will must come first. Parents should teach children that God may answer yes, no, or wait. He may provide something different from what was requested. He may allow difficulty while giving strength to endure. Faith does not demand that God follow our wishes. Faith trusts God’s wisdom. A child who learns this will be better prepared when situations don't turn out the way he wants. Prayer Should Be Taught in Ordinary Moments Prayer should not be limited to emergencies. Children should learn that prayer belongs in everyday life. Parents can pray with children before meals, before bedtime, before worship, before travel, during sickness, after receiving good news, when facing temptation, when someone is hurting, and when gratitude fills the heart. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 describes God’s words being taught diligently in the flow of daily life. The same kind of daily rhythm is helpful with prayer. Children should see that faith is not reserved for a building or a scheduled service. God belongs in the home. A child who sees prayer only in formal settings may think of it as distant. A child who hears sincere prayer in ordinary life learns that God is near to His people. Parents should not make prayer long and complicated simply to sound spiritual. Children benefit from sincere, clear, reverent prayers that they can understand. Children Should Learn to Pray for Others Prayer helps children look beyond themselves. A selfish child prays only for what he wants. A maturing child learns to pray for others: the sick, the grieving, the lost, the weak, the elderly, the church, the preacher, elders, family members, friends, neighbors, and even enemies. First Timothy 2:1 says that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks should be made for all men. Children should learn intercession early. Parents can ask: Who should we pray for tonight? Who is sick? Who needs encouragement? Who needs help obeying God? Who is hurting? Who needs to hear the gospel? These questions teach children compassion. Prayer becomes a way of noticing others and carrying concern before God. Children should also learn to pray for those who mistreat them. Jesus said, “Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). That is difficult, but it teaches mercy, self-control, and trust in God. Prayer Teaches Patience Children often want immediate answers. They may pray once and expect instant results. If nothing changes quickly, they may wonder whether prayer matters. Parents must teach children that prayer requires patience. Luke 18:1 says Jesus taught “that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Prayer is not a one-time attempt to get what we want. It is a continuing expression of faith. Children need to learn that waiting on God is not wasted time. Sometimes God’s answer comes later. Sometimes He changes the situation. Sometimes He changes the person praying. Sometimes He gives strength to endure rather than removing the difficulty. Parents can help children remember prayers over time. They can say, “We have been praying about this. Let us keep trusting God.” They can also point out when prayers have been answered, helping children see God’s care. Parents Must Model Prayer Children learn prayer by hearing parents pray. They need to hear fathers pray sincerely. They need to hear mothers pray reverently. They need to know that prayer is part of the life of the home, not merely a public religious act. Parents should model thanksgiving, confession, dependence, concern for others, reverence, and submission to God’s will. Children should hear prayers that are honest without being careless, simple without being shallow, and reverent without being cold. Parents should also be careful not to model hypocrisy. Long public prayers mean little if private life is prayerless. Children notice whether parents turn to God in real life. James 5:16 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Children should see that prayer matters deeply to righteous people. Prayer Points Children Toward the Gospel As children mature, they must learn that prayer does not replace obedience to the gospel. Many people are taught to “pray to receive Jesus” or to say a “sinner’s prayer” for salvation. Parents should teach their children to let Scripture answer the question of salvation. In the New Testament, sinners were taught to believe, repent, confess Christ, and be baptized for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 22:16). Prayer is a great blessing, but it must not be used to replace what God commanded. This is important because children may hear many religious messages as they grow. They need to understand that salvation must be understood by God’s word, not by popular phrases or traditions. Prayer belongs in the life of God’s people, but obedience to the gospel must not be changed. Teaching Children to Pray With the Heart The goal is not merely to teach children to recite words. A child may memorize a prayer and still not understand prayer. Memorized words can help young children begin, but parents should gradually teach them to pray thoughtfully and sincerely. Jesus warned against vain repetitions (Matthew 6:7). Prayer must not become empty religious speech. Parents can help children move from memorized phrases to meaningful prayer: What are you thankful for? What do you need help with? Who should we pray for? What sin do you need to turn from? What should we ask God to help us obey? These questions help children connect prayer to the heart. Teaching Prayer in Everyday Life Prayer is taught in ordinary moments: It is taught during family meals. It is taught when a child is afraid. It is taught when someone is sick. It is taught when a child has sinned. It is taught when a blessing is received. It is taught when the family faces a decision. It is taught when parents pray with humility. It is taught when God’s will is trusted above personal desire. Parents should not underestimate these moments. They shape how children think about God. Children need to learn that they can pray to God with reverence, gratitude, honesty, trust, and submission. They need to know that God hears His people. They need to know that prayer is not a tool for selfish demands, but a blessing for faithful hearts. Teach them to pray. Teach them to give thanks. Teach them to confess their wrongs. Teach them to trust God’s will. Teach them to pray for others. Teach them to obey the word of God. A praying child is learning to live with dependence on the Father who rules over all. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children to pray with reverence rather than empty habit? Do my children hear prayers of thanksgiving, confession, dependence, and concern for others in our home? Am I helping my children understand that prayer must be joined with obedience to God’s word? Do I teach my children to trust God’s will even when the answer is no or wait? What ordinary moment this week can I use to help my children pray sincerely from the heart?

By Al Felder Children need to learn gratitude. Gratitude is more than saying “thank you,” though children should certainly be taught to say it. Gratitude is a way of seeing life. It recognizes that blessings are received, not owed. It teaches children to notice goodness, acknowledge dependence, honor those who give, and thank God as the giver of every good thing. Without gratitude, children may become entitled. They may receive food, clothing, shelter, help, gifts, correction, opportunities, and love as though these things are automatic and deserved. They may complain more than they show thankfulness. They may focus more on what they lack than what they have. They may grow dissatisfied even while surrounded by blessings. Parents must not assume gratitude will develop on its own. It must be taught, practiced, modeled, and corrected. James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” Children need to know that every blessing ultimately comes from God. Parents may provide, friends may help, brethren may encourage, and others may give, but God is the source of life and every good thing. A grateful child is learning to see life through the lens of God’s goodness. Gratitude Begins With Recognizing God as the Giver Parents should teach children that blessings do not appear from nowhere. Food on the table, clothes to wear, a home to live in, people who care, health, safety, opportunities, and daily provisions are not accidents. They are blessings that should lead the heart upward toward God. Psalm 136:1 says, “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Thanksgiving begins with the goodness of God. Children should learn that God is not only powerful and holy; He is also good and merciful. This is especially important because children often notice what they do not have more quickly than what they do have. They may complain about the food they were given, the clothes they must wear, the toy they did not receive, or the privilege they were denied. Parents should patiently redirect their thinking. Instead of allowing children to live in complaint, parents can ask: What has God given us today? Who helped you? What blessing did you receive? What should we thank God for? Who should you thank? These simple questions train children to notice grace. Gratitude Is the Opposite of Entitlement Entitlement says, “I deserve this.” Gratitude says, “I have been blessed.” Entitlement complains when desire is denied. Gratitude gives thanks for what has already been received. Entitlement focuses on self. Gratitude remembers the giver. Children are often tempted toward entitlement because they naturally see life through the lens of their own wants. They may assume parents exist to meet every desire. They may believe gifts are owed, service is expected, and comfort should be constant. Parents must correct that spirit. First Corinthians 4:7 asks, “And what do you have that you did not receive?” That question cuts through pride. Everything man has is received from God. Life itself is a gift. Ability is a gift. Time is a gift. Opportunity is a gift. Salvation in Christ is a gift of grace. Children need to learn that blessings are not debts that God or others owe them. They are gifts to be received humbly. This does not mean children should never ask for help or express needs. It means they must not approach life as though others are obligated to satisfy every desire. Gratitude Must Be Practiced in Daily Speech Children should be taught to say thank you. That may seem simple, but it matters. Words help train the heart. When children are required to acknowledge kindness, service, gifts, and help, they learn not to take these things for granted. Luke 17 records the healing of ten lepers. All ten were healed, but only one returned to give thanks. Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17). That question reminds us that receiving a blessing does not mean the heart is thankful. Parents should not raise children who receive and walk away. Children should thank parents for meals, gifts, rides, help, correction, and care. They should thank grandparents, brethren, teachers, friends, and others who show kindness. They should learn to write thank-you notes, express appreciation, and show respect for the effort behind what they receive. Gratitude should be heard in the home. Gratitude Must Be More Than Words While children should say thank you, gratitude must go deeper than words. A child may say thank you while still acting selfishly. He may speak polite words but treat blessings carelessly. He may thank someone for a gift and then complain that it was not the one he wanted. True gratitude changes conduct. A grateful child learns to care for what he has. He does not destroy possessions carelessly. He does not waste food thoughtlessly. He does not complain constantly. He does not treat people as servants. He does not assume blessings are meaningless. Colossians 3:15 says, “And be thankful.” That command describes a settled disposition. Gratitude should become part of the child’s character. Parents can teach this by connecting gratitude to behavior: If you are thankful for your clothes, care for them. If you are thankful for food, do not waste it. If you are thankful for your home, help keep it in order. If you are thankful for family, speak kindly. If you are thankful for worship, prepare your heart. If you are thankful for God’s word, listen and obey. Thankfulness should be visible. Gratitude Protects Children From Complaining Complaining is one of the great enemies of gratitude. A complaining child sees what is wrong before seeing what is good. He may complain about food, chores, weather, clothing, family rules, worship, schoolwork, or others' success. If parents allow constant complaining, they may train the child to become discontented and unthankful. Philippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” That command belongs in the home. Children must learn that grumbling is not harmless. Israel’s history provides many warnings about complaining. God delivered His people from bondage, provided for them, guided them, and sustained them, yet they often murmured. Their complaining revealed unbelief, ingratitude, and rebellion. Children need to understand that complaining can become a sinful habit. It turns blessings into burdens and duties into grievances. Parents should correct complaints with wisdom. Sometimes a child may have a real concern that needs to be heard. However, there is a difference between honest communication and a complaining spirit. Parents must teach children to express concerns respectfully while refusing to live in grumbling. Gratitude Helps Children Receive Correction A grateful heart is more willing to receive correction. Children should learn that discipline is not hatred. Proper correction is part of love. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For whom the LORD loves He chastens.” Parents who wisely correct their children are seeking their children's good. A child who lacks gratitude may resent correction. He may see parental instruction as interference. He may think rules are unfair and discipline is unkind. However, gratitude helps him see that parents who train, warn, and correct are giving something valuable. Proverbs 13:24 says that the parent who loves his child disciplines him promptly. Children may not enjoy correction in the moment, but they should gradually learn to be thankful for parents who care enough to guide them. Parents can say, “I am correcting you because I love you and want what is right before God.” Over time, this helps children connect correction with care. A child who becomes thankful for instruction is being prepared to receive the correction of God’s word. Gratitude Should Shape Worship Children must learn that worship is connected to gratitude. When Christians sing, pray, give, remember the Lord’s death, and hear God’s word, they should do so with thankful hearts. Worship is not entertainment. It is not a routine to endure. It is reverence toward God, and gratitude should be part of that reverence. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Children should learn to be thankful for the privilege of worship. They should be taught to sit reverently, sing sincerely, listen carefully, pray respectfully, and understand the seriousness of the Lord’s Supper as they mature. Parents should not speak of worship as a burden. If children repeatedly hear, “We have to go,” but rarely hear joy and gratitude for serving God, they may absorb the wrong spirit. Parents should teach them that worship is a blessing because God is worthy. Gratitude Points Children to Christ The greatest reason for gratitude is Jesus Christ. Every earthly blessing matters, but spiritual blessings matter most. Forgiveness, salvation, hope, reconciliation with God, the gospel, the church, and eternal life are greater than all material gifts. Second Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Christ is the gift above all gifts. Children need to learn that gratitude should not stop with food, clothes, health, and family. It should rise to the cross. Jesus died for sinners. His blood makes forgiveness possible. Through Him, man can be reconciled to God. That truth should shape the heart of every Christian home. Parents should help children understand that the greatest blessing is not getting what they want today. It is having the opportunity to be saved through Christ and live for eternity. A child who learns gratitude for Christ will have a stronger foundation than one who is thankful only when life is comfortable. Parents Must Model Gratitude Children learn gratitude by watching their parents. They listen to how parents speak about money, food, work, worship, health, brethren, weather, possessions, and other people. They notice whether parents complain constantly or give thanks regularly. They notice whether parents thank one another. They notice whether prayer includes gratitude or only requests. If parents want thankful children, they must be thankful people. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks.” That does not mean every circumstance is pleasant. It means gratitude should remain part of the Christian’s heart because God remains good in every circumstance. Parents should let children hear thanksgiving: “God has blessed us.” “We should be thankful for this meal.” “That was kind of them.” “The Lord has been good to us.” “We may not have everything we want, but we have many blessings.” These simple statements shape a child’s view of life. Gratitude Must Be Taught During Disappointment Gratitude is easiest when things go well. It is harder when children are disappointed. They may not receive the gift they wanted. A plan may change. A friend may have something they do not. A meal may not be their favorite. A rule may limit what they want to do. These moments reveal whether gratitude is real. Parents should not allow disappointment to become disrespect. A child may feel sad, but he must not be unthankful. He may wish something had gone differently, but he must not despise what he has received. Habakkuk 3:17-18 describes rejoicing in the Lord even when outward circumstances are difficult. That kind of faith is mature, but children can begin learning the principle that gratitude must not depend entirely on getting their way. Parents can say, “I know you are disappointed, but what can we still thank God for?” That question helps redirect the heart. Gratitude Teaches Children to Give Thankful children are more likely to become generous children. When children understand that blessings are received from God, they can learn to share those blessings with others. Gratitude loosens the grip of selfishness. Acts 20:35 records the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Children need to learn that joy is not found only in getting. There is a blessing in giving, helping, serving, and encouraging. Parents can involve children in generosity: Share food with someone. Give clothing or toys in good condition. Help prepare a meal for someone in need. Write a card to encourage someone. Visit the lonely. Give as God has prospered. Serve without expecting praise. These actions teach that gratitude should overflow into service. Gratitude Helps Children See Grace At its deepest level, gratitude teaches children about grace. Grace means receiving what is not earned. Children must eventually understand that salvation is not something man earns or deserves. It is made possible by God’s mercy through Christ. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” God’s grace should humble man, not make him careless. It should produce obedience, not pride. A grateful heart says, “God has been merciful to me; I want to serve Him faithfully.” Parents should connect gratitude to obedience. We do not obey God to put Him in our debt. We obey because He is Lord, because His way is right, and because grateful faith submits to His will. Children who learn gratitude are better prepared to understand grace without entitlement and obedience without pride. Teaching Gratitude in Everyday Life Gratitude is taught in ordinary moments: It is taught at the dinner table. It is taught in prayer. It is taught when a child receives a gift. It is taught when plans change. It is taught when a child complains. It is taught when parents thank one another. It is taught when worship is treated as a blessing. It is taught when the family gives to others. Parents should not wait for special occasions. Gratitude should become part of the atmosphere of the home. The world will teach children to want more, compare more, complain more, and thank less. Parents must teach something better: Teach them to give thanks. Teach them to see God’s goodness. Teach them to receive blessings humbly. Teach them to serve generously. Teach them to be thankful for Christ. A grateful child is learning to live with open eyes, a humble heart, and a soul pointed toward God. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that every good blessing ultimately comes from God? Do I correct complaining, entitlement, and careless attitudes toward blessings? Do my children hear me thank God and thank others regularly? Am I teaching gratitude not only through words, but through stewardship, worship, and generosity? What ordinary moment this week can I use to help my children practice thanksgiving?

By Al Felder Children need to learn contentment. They are growing up in a world built around dissatisfaction. Advertisements tell them they need more. Social media shows them what others have. Entertainment teaches them to chase attention, experiences, possessions, and approval. Comparison begins early, and when it is not corrected, it can grow into envy, greed, resentment, ingratitude, and constant unhappiness. Contentment is not natural; it must be taught. A child may believe happiness depends on getting the newest toy, wearing the right clothes, having more freedom, receiving more attention, or being treated exactly as he expects. If contentment depends on circumstances, it will always remain fragile. Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Contentment is learned. That means parents have a responsibility to teach it. Children need to understand that peace does not come from having everything they want. It comes from trusting God, receiving His blessings with gratitude, governing desire, and learning that the soul needs more than possessions. Contentment Begins With Trust in God True contentment begins with confidence in God. Children need to learn that God knows what they need. He provides life, food, shelter, family, opportunity, and every spiritual blessing found in Christ. He may not give a child everything they want, but He remains good. Jesus said, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:32). In that context, He taught His disciples not to be consumed with anxiety over food, drink, and clothing. Instead, they were to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Children should begin learning this priority early. They need to know that God’s kingdom matters more than possessions. Righteousness matters more than popularity. Faithfulness matters more than comfort. Heaven matters more than earthly success. A child who trusts God can learn to say, “I may not have everything I want, but God has given me what I need, and I can still serve Him faithfully.” Contentment Is Not the Same as Having No Desires Contentment does not mean children should never want anything. Desire itself is not always sinful. A child may want to improve, learn, work, save, give, or achieve something good. He may hope for a particular gift or opportunity. The problem begins when desire becomes controlling. James 4:2 says, “You lust and do not have.” Wrong desire creates conflict when the heart believes it must have something in order to be satisfied. Parents must teach children to distinguish between a desire and a demand. A desire says, “I would like that.” A demand says, “I must have that.” A desire can accept no. A demand becomes angry. A desire can wait. A demand complains. A desire remains under God’s authority. A demand tries to rule the home. Children need to learn that wanting something does not make them entitled to it. Comparison Destroys Contentment Many children become discontent because they compare. They compare toys, clothes, homes, vacations, talents, privileges, grades, appearance, friends, and attention. They may say, “Everyone else has one,” “Their parents let them,” or “Why do they get more than I do?” Comparison turns blessings into reasons for resentment. Second Corinthians 10:12 warns about those who compare themselves with others and says they “are not wise.” Comparison is dangerous because it shifts the child’s attention away from God’s gifts and toward what someone else has. Parents should teach children that different families make different decisions. Different people have different abilities, opportunities, and responsibilities. Fairness does not always mean sameness. One child may have more possessions, another may have greater ability, and another may receive a particular opportunity. None of those things determines spiritual worth. A child should learn to ask, “What has God given me, and how should I use it faithfully?” rather than, “Why do I not have what someone else has?” Contentment Requires Gratitude Gratitude and contentment belong together. A grateful child notices blessings. A discontented child notices mainly what is missing. Parents must train children to see what God has provided. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Thanksgiving is not only for pleasant moments. It is a Christian habit. Parents can teach gratitude by helping children name blessings: Food on the table. A safe place to live. Clothing. Family. Health. Brethren. Worship. The Bible. Answered prayers. Opportunities to serve. The hope of eternal life. Children should learn to say thank you to God and to people. They should not receive gifts, service, food, or help as though they are owed. Gratitude turns attention toward grace. Parents Should Not Feed Entitlement Sometimes parents unintentionally teach discontentment. They may give children nearly everything they request. They may rush to prevent disappointment. They may reward complaining. They may buy peace instead of correcting selfishness. They may believe love means never saying no, but children need to hear no: They need to wait. They need to save. They need to work. They need to live without some things they want. They need to learn that disappointment is not a disaster. Proverbs 25:28 says, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” A child who never learns restraint remains vulnerable to appetite and impulse. Parents should not feel guilty for setting wise limits. Refusing an unnecessary purchase may teach more than buying it. Delaying a privilege may build patience. Requiring work may teach stewardship. Allowing a child to experience disappointment may strengthen self-control. Love does not require feeding every desire. Contentment Requires Learning to Wait Patience is part of contentment. Children often want things immediately. They may struggle to wait for food, gifts, attention, privileges, answers, or opportunities. A child who always receives instant satisfaction may never develop endurance. Romans 8:25 says, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Waiting is part of faithful living. Parents can teach children to wait in ordinary ways: Save money before buying. Finish work before recreation. Wait for a turn. Do not interrupt. Pray and wait for an answer. Accept that some desires may never be fulfilled. Waiting teaches children that desire does not control time. It also prepares them to trust God when His answers do not come immediately. Contentment Protects Against Envy Discontentment easily becomes envy. Envy resents another person’s blessing. It does not merely say, “I wish I had that.” It says, “I do not want them to have it.” Cain envied Abel’s acceptance before God. Saul envied David’s success. Religious leaders envied Jesus. Envy repeatedly produced hatred and destruction. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.” Children should learn to rejoice when others receive good things: If a sibling receives a gift, be glad. If a friend succeeds, congratulate him. If someone has a talent, appreciate it. If another person receives praise, do not become bitter. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” That is difficult for a discontented heart, but it is necessary Christian training. Contentment Protects Against Greed Children must also learn that possessions do not give life its meaning. Jesus warned, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). That lesson is urgently needed in a materialistic world. A child may begin to think worth is measured by what he owns. He may care more about brands, devices, clothes, or status than character. He may use people, manipulate parents, or become ungrateful when desires are denied. Parents should teach that money and possessions are tools, not masters. Children should learn to save, give, share, and use things wisely. They should learn that blessings create responsibility. They should learn that having more does not make someone better, and having less does not make someone less valuable. First Timothy 6:6 says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” That is a different measure of wealth. Godliness joined with contentment is greater than material abundance without spiritual faithfulness. Contentment Does Not Mean Laziness Some may confuse contentment with a lack of ambition. Biblical contentment does not mean refusing to work, improve, plan, or pursue good goals. Paul was content, but he was not lazy. He labored, served, sacrificed, and pressed forward faithfully. Children should learn to be content with what they have while still being diligent with what God has given them. A child may be thankful for his ability and still practice to improve. He may be content with his possessions and still save wisely. He may be grateful for his current opportunities while still preparing for greater responsibilities. Contentment says, “I can be faithful here.” Laziness says, “I do not need to try.” Those are not the same. Parents Must Model Contentment Children notice whether parents are content. They hear complaints about money, possessions, jobs, homes, vehicles, vacations, appearance, and other people. They notice whether parents are always talking about what they wish they had. They see whether shopping, status, and comparison control the home. If parents constantly express dissatisfaction, children will learn to be dissatisfied. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.” Parents must model that spirit. This does not mean never discussing needs or goals. It means doing so without greed, bitterness, or envy. Children should hear their parents thank God. They should see parents give generously. They should see them live within their means. They should hear them rejoice in another person’s blessing. They should see that worship and family matter more than material display. Contentment must be visible. Contentment Must Be Taught During Disappointment The best time to teach contentment is often when children are disappointed: A desired gift is not received. A plan changes. A friend gets the opportunity. A sibling receives attention. A family cannot afford something. The answer is no. These moments reveal the heart. Parents should listen, but they should not automatically remove the disappointment. They can acknowledge the feeling while teaching truth. “I know you wanted that, but we cannot have everything we want.” “It is all right to feel disappointed, but it is not right to complain or become angry.” “Let us thank God for what we do have.” “Someone else’s blessing does not take away yours.” "Your joy cannot depend on getting this.” These conversations help children learn to process disappointment without becoming ruled by it. Contentment Is Learned Through Giving Giving is one of the best ways to fight selfishness and discontentment. A child who gives learns that possessions are not the center of life. He learns to see others' needs. He learns joy in service. He learns that blessings are meant to be shared. Acts 20:35 records the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Parents can involve children in giving. Choose toys or clothing to share. Help prepare food for someone. Give to a person in need. Write a note of encouragement. Offer time and service. Practice hospitality. Giving loosens the grip of greed and strengthens gratitude. Contentment Helps Children Face Hardship Life will not always be comfortable. Children may eventually face financial difficulties, illness, disappointment, loss, rejection, or changes in plans. If they have been taught that happiness depends on favorable circumstances, hardship may destroy them. Paul said he knew how to be abased and how to abound. He had learned contentment in every condition (Philippians 4:12). That is the goal: not raising children who are only peaceful when life goes their way, but children who remain faithful when circumstances change. Contentment gives stability: It says, “God is still God.” “His word is still true.” “I still have duties.” “I can still worship.” “I can still serve.” “I can still hope.” That kind of heart is prepared for life. Contentment Points Children Toward Eternal Treasure Parents should teach children that earthly things do not last: Clothes wear out. Toys break. Money can be lost. Houses decay. Popularity fades. Bodies grow old. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,” but “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). Children need an eternal perspective. They should learn that the greatest blessings cannot be purchased: forgiveness, truth, faith, fellowship with God, a faithful family, a good conscience, hope, and eternal life. A child who treasures heaven will be less controlled by earth. Teaching Contentment in Everyday Life Contentment is taught in ordinary moments: It is taught when a child hears no. It is taught when he must wait. It is taught when another child receives something. It is taught when the family gives thanks. It is taught when possessions are shared. It is taught when disappointment is handled without complaining. It is taught when parents choose spiritual priorities over material display. These moments shape the heart. The world will keep telling children they need more. Parents must teach them how to say, “God has blessed me. I can be thankful. I can be faithful. I do not need everything I want in order to have joy.” That is contentment. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children the difference between a desire and a demand? Do I help my children recognize and resist comparison, envy, and greed? Am I willing to say no and allow appropriate disappointment rather than satisfy every desire? Do my children see gratitude and contentment in the way I speak about money, possessions, work, and other people? What practical opportunity can I use this week to teach waiting, gratitude, giving, or contentment?

By Al Felder Children need to learn how to handle anger. Anger is powerful. It can affect words, actions, judgment, relationships, and spiritual decisions. A child who is not taught to govern anger may learn to shout, insult, strike, blame, threaten, withdraw, destroy, or seek revenge whenever he does not get his way. Parents must not treat uncontrolled anger as merely a personality trait. Statements such as “He just has a temper,” “She is strong-willed,” or “That is simply how he expresses himself” can excuse behavior that needs correction. Children must learn that strong feelings do not remove responsibility. Anger may explain a temptation, but it does not justify sin. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry, and do not sin.” That verse shows that anger itself is not always sinful. There are times when anger is connected to injustice, cruelty, dishonesty, or rebellion against God. Anger becomes sinful when it rules the heart, distorts judgment, produces cruel words, leads to revenge, or refuses to be corrected. Parents must teach children not merely to stop looking angry, but to bring anger under the authority of God. Anger Is Not Always Sinful Children should learn that anger is not automatically wrong. Jesus showed anger when He saw hard hearts and sinful conduct. Mark 3:5 says He looked upon certain people “with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts.” His anger was not selfish, uncontrolled, or cruel. It was connected to righteousness and grief over sin. This helps children understand the difference between righteous concern and selfish rage. A child may rightly feel upset when someone is mistreated. He may feel angry when someone lies about him. He may be disturbed by cruelty, bullying, dishonesty, or injustice. Those feelings must still be governed, but the feelings themselves are not necessarily sinful. Parents should help children ask why they are angry: Am I angry because something truly wrong happened? Am I angry because I did not get my way? Am I angry because I was corrected? Am I angry because someone else received attention? Am I angry because I feel embarrassed? Am I angry because I want control? These questions help children examine the heart. Most childhood anger is not righteous anger. It is frustrated self-will. Anger Often Reveals a Desire for Control Children commonly become angry when they cannot control the situation. They may be told no. They may be required to stop playing. They may have to share. They may be corrected. They may lose a game. They may have to wait. They may not receive what they expected. In those moments, anger often says, “I should be in control.” James 4:1 asks, “Where do wars and fights come from among you?” The answer points to desires that battle within. Many conflicts begin because people want something and do not receive it. Children need to learn that they are not entitled to control everyone around them. They do not have the right to become cruel simply because someone disagrees, denies a request, or interrupts a plan. Parents should teach children to recognize selfish anger. A child who explodes when told "no" is not merely disappointed; he may be demanding control. A child who becomes furious when corrected may be resisting authority. A child who attacks others after losing may be ruled by pride. Anger often exposes what the heart wants most. Children Must Learn to Be Slow to Anger The Bible repeatedly praises restraint. James 1:19 says, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Children need to learn this pattern: Listen first. Speak slowly. Do not react immediately. Do not assume the worst. Do not answer anger with anger. Do not let the first feeling make the final decision. Proverbs 14:29 says, “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.” Quick anger is not strength. It is often foolishness without restraint. Parents can teach children practical ways to slow down. A child may need to stop speaking, sit quietly, breathe, pray, move away from the conflict, or ask for help. These actions do not solve the heart problem on their own, but they create space for self-control and wisdom. A child should learn that he does not have to obey anger. Angry Words Can Cause Deep Harm Children must learn that words spoken in anger matter. A child may say, “I hate you,” “You are stupid,” “I wish you were gone,” or “Nobody likes you.” Later, he may claim that he did not mean it, but words can still wound even when spoken impulsively. Proverbs 12:18 says, “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Angry words can pierce like weapons. Parents must not dismiss cruel speech as harmless venting. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification.” That command applies even when emotions are strong. Children need to learn that anger does not give permission to insult, mock, curse, threaten, or belittle others. Parents should correct angry speech clearly: You may be upset, but you may not speak with contempt. You may explain what happened, but you may not call names. You may ask for help, but you may not threaten. You may disagree, but you must speak respectfully. These boundaries teach that emotions must remain under moral control. Physical Aggression Must Be Corrected Anger can also become physical. Children may hit, kick, push, bite, throw objects, slam doors, damage property, or act aggressively toward siblings and parents. These actions must not be ignored. Genesis 4 records the danger of anger in Cain. God warned him that sin was lying at the door and that he must rule over it. Cain refused, and his anger grew into murder. The lesson is serious: uncontrolled anger does not remain small simply because it begins with a feeling. Parents must intervene when anger becomes physical. The child must be stopped, corrected, and taught safer ways to respond. Aggression should never be treated as acceptable because the child was provoked. Another person’s wrong does not authorize violence. Romans 12:17 says, “Repay no one evil for evil.” Children must learn that they are responsible for their response, even when someone else behaved badly first. Anger Must Not Become Bitterness Some anger explodes quickly, while other anger is stored. A child may become silent, distant, resentful, or determined never to forgive. He may replay the offense, imagine revenge, or use past wrongs as weapons in future arguments. This kind of anger can become bitterness. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you.” Bitterness is not safer simply because it is quiet. It can harden the heart and poison relationships. Parents should help children talk honestly about hurt. They should listen carefully, establish what happened, correct the wrong, and guide the child toward forgiveness. Parents must also teach children not to nurture resentment. A child should not be allowed to keep punishing someone who has apologized and changed. He should not repeatedly bring up forgiven wrongs to gain control. Anger must be addressed before it becomes part of the child’s identity. Parents Should Teach the Difference Between Anger and Rebellion Not every emotional outburst is the same. A tired young child may become overwhelmed. An older child may feel genuine hurt. Another child may be openly resisting authority. Parents need wisdom to distinguish weakness, immaturity, distress, and rebellion. Compassion must not become an excuse for sin. A child may be tired and still need correction for hitting. He may be frustrated and still need correction for disrespect. He may feel misunderstood and still need to tell the truth. He may be embarrassed and still need to obey. Parents can acknowledge the feeling without approving the behavior. “I understand that you are disappointed, but you may not shout.” “I know that hurt you, but you may not hit.” “You may be angry, but you must still obey.” This teaches children that feelings are real but not sovereign. Correction Should Not Be Given in Uncontrolled Anger Parents must also examine their own anger. It is difficult to teach self-control while correcting children with shouting, insults, threats, humiliation, or physical harshness. Parents who discipline in rage may teach children that anger gives authority to hurt others. James 1:20 says, “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Uncontrolled parental anger does not produce godly character. Parents should correct firmly, but they must remain governed. If a parent is too angry to speak wisely, it may be better to pause briefly before addressing the matter. That pause should not become neglect, but correction should come from purpose rather than fury. Ephesians 6:4 warns fathers not to provoke children to wrath. Parents can provoke anger through unfairness, inconsistency, ridicule, favoritism, impossible expectations, or refusing to listen. Parents must not demand from children the self-control they refuse to practice themselves. Parents Must Model Repentance Even faithful parents sometimes have misplaced anger. They may speak too sharply, judge too quickly, or respond out of irritation rather than wisdom. When that happens, they should admit it. A parent can say, “I was right to correct what you did, but I was wrong in the way I spoke. I should not have shouted. Please forgive me.” This does not erase the child’s wrongdoing. It shows that both parent and child remain accountable to God. Children need to see that repentance is not weakness. It is the proper response to sin. James 5:16 says, “Confess your trespasses to one another.” A parent who apologizes sincerely teaches humility, truthfulness, and responsibility. Anger Should Lead to Righteous Action, Not Sinful Reaction When anger is connected to something truly wrong, children should learn how to respond properly. If someone is being bullied, seek help. If someone lies, tell the truth. If a sibling is mistreated, defend without revenge. If a rule is unfair, speak respectfully. If someone sins, address the matter according to Scripture. Righteous anger should move toward truth, protection, correction, and restoration. It should not become hatred, violence, or vengeance. Jesus cleansed the temple because God’s house was being dishonored. His action was purposeful and righteous, not a loss of control. Children must learn that simply feeling strongly does not make their reaction right. Even when the cause is just, the response must still please God. Anger Must Be Resolved Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Anger should not be allowed to remain unresolved and grow. This does not mean every complex conflict can be completely solved before bedtime. It does mean anger should not be deliberately fed, protected, or used as an excuse to withdraw indefinitely. Parents should teach children to address conflict: Tell the truth. Listen. Admit wrong. Apologize. Forgive. Make restitution where needed. Seek help when the matter cannot be resolved alone. These habits prevent anger from becoming a permanent division. Anger Requires Forgiveness Children who are hurt must learn to forgive. Forgiveness does not mean pretending nothing happened. It does not mean removing all consequences or instantly restoring trust, but it does mean rejecting revenge and refusing to hold the offense as a weapon. Colossians 3:13 says, “Forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Forgiveness is one of the greatest protections against bitterness. Parents should help children understand that they may need time to calm down, but they cannot choose hatred as a way of life. They must learn to let go of vengeance and seek peace, where repentance makes reconciliation possible. Anger Points to the Need for a Changed Heart Parents must not be satisfied with merely stopping an outburst. The deeper goal is a changed heart. A child may learn to outwardly suppress anger while harboring pride, resentment, or a desire for revenge. He may become quiet but not peaceful. He may avoid punishment without learning righteousness. Jesus taught that evil actions come from the heart. Anger must therefore be addressed at its source: What did the child want? What was he afraid of? What did he believe he deserved? Why did the correction offend him? What truth from Scripture should govern the heart? Parents should teach children to pray for help, remember God’s mercy, submit desires to His will, and choose love over retaliation. Self-control is not simply emotional management. It is part of spiritual character. Teaching Children to Respond Like Christ Jesus suffered injustice without becoming sinful. First Peter 2:23 says that when He was reviled, He did not revile in return. He entrusted Himself to the One who judges righteously. Children need that example. They will not always be treated fairly. They will not always receive apologies. They will not always be understood. They must learn that faithfulness does not depend on the other person behaving properly. Christ showed that strength is not found in uncontrolled retaliation. Strength is found in remaining obedient to God when wronged. Teaching Anger in Everyday Life Parents teach children about anger in ordinary conflicts: They teach when a child loses a game. They teach when siblings argue. They teach when a child is corrected. They teach when plans change. They teach when someone speaks carelessly. They teach when an apology is needed. They teach by the way they handle their own frustration. These moments are opportunities to form the heart. Children must learn that anger is a powerful feeling, but it is not their master. They may feel anger without becoming cruel. They may confront wrong without seeking revenge. They may speak truth without contempt. They may be hurt without becoming bitter. They may be corrected without rebelling. They may learn, through Christ, to overcome evil with good. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that anger does not excuse sinful words or actions? Do I help my children identify the selfish desires, pride, or fear beneath their anger? How do I respond when my children shout, insult, strike, or withdraw in bitterness? Am I modeling self-control and repentance when I become angry? What practical steps can I teach my children to help them slow down, speak wisely, and resolve conflict biblically? The next post will address how parents can teach their children contentment.

By Al Felder Children need to learn forgiveness. They will be hurt, disappointed, and treated unfairly. Siblings will offend them, and friends will fail them. Others may speak carelessly, act selfishly, break promises, or refuse to apologize. If children are not taught how to deal with hurt, bitterness can begin early. Forgiveness does not come naturally. The natural response when wronged is often anger, retaliation, blame, avoidance, or the desire to make the other person suffer. Children may hold grudges, bring up old offenses, refuse to speak, insult the person who hurt them, or try to “get even.” Parents must teach something better. Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Forgiveness is not merely good manners; it is part of Christian character. Children need to understand that those who receive God's mercy must learn to show mercy to others. Forgiveness Begins With Understanding God’s Mercy Children should learn that forgiveness begins with God. Sin creates guilt. It separates man from God. Man cannot erase guilt by pretending nothing happened, excusing wrong, or balancing sin with good deeds. Forgiveness is possible because God provided salvation through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The cross shows both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of mercy. Parents should teach children that forgiveness is costly. God did not treat sin as unimportant. Christ died because sin is deadly, and God was willing to provide a way for sinners to be forgiven. A child who understands God’s mercy will have a better foundation for forgiving others. He can learn, “I should not hold tightly to bitterness when I also need mercy.” This does not mean children will understand the full depth of redemption while very young, but they can begin learning the pattern: God is merciful, Christ came to save, and forgiven people should become forgiving people. Forgiveness Does Not Mean Pretending Nothing Happened Children often misunderstand forgiveness. They may think forgiving means saying the wrong did not matter. They may think it means pretending they were not hurt. They may think it means allowing the same person to hurt them repeatedly without speaking up. They may think it means all consequences disappear. Parents must teach them carefully. Forgiveness does not call evil good. Forgiveness does not deny pain. Forgiveness does not remove the need for correction. Forgiveness does not mean trust is instantly restored. Forgiveness does not require pretending that sin was harmless. Luke 17:3 says, “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” This verse shows both truth and mercy. Sin may need to be confronted. Repentance matters. Forgiveness is not the same as ignoring wrong. Children should learn to speak honestly: “What you did was wrong.” “That hurt me.” “You need to make it right.” However, they must also learn not to feed hatred, seek revenge, or cherish bitterness. Biblical forgiveness does not erase truth. It responds to truth with mercy. Children Must Learn to Let Go of Revenge One of the hardest parts of forgiveness is surrendering the desire to get even. Children often want the person who hurt them to hurt in return. They may insult a sibling, exclude a friend, break something, spread a rumor, or wait for an opportunity to retaliate. Revenge can feel like justice, but it usually multiplies sin. Romans 12:19 says, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves.” Verse 21 adds, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Parents must teach children that another person’s sin does not give them permission to sin. If a sibling speaks harshly, the answer is not to speak more harshly. If a friend excludes them, the answer is not cruelty. If someone lies about them, the answer is not another lie. If someone acts selfishly, the answer is not revenge. This is not a weakness. It is self-control under God’s authority. A child who learns to give up revenge is learning one of the most difficult lessons in Christian living. Forgiveness Requires Honesty Forgiveness should not be built on false peace. Children should not be taught to mumble “I forgive you” merely to end a conflict while anger continues to grow. They should be helped to speak honestly about what happened. Parents can guide children through simple questions: What happened? What was wrong? How did it hurt? What should have been done instead? Has there been an apology? Is anything needed to make it right? This helps children separate facts from exaggeration and hurt from revenge. Proverbs 18:13 says, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” Parents must listen carefully when children bring up conflict. They should not decide too quickly, automatically blame one child, or force forgiveness before the wrong is understood. Truth is necessary for real reconciliation. Forgiveness should never be used to silence a child who is trying to report genuine harm. Apology and Repentance Matter Parents must teach children how to apologize properly. A true apology is not, “I’m sorry you got upset.” It is not, “I’m sorry, but you made me do it.” It is not, “I said I was sorry, so you have to stop talking about it.” A proper apology takes responsibility. “I was wrong.” “I should not have said that.” “I hurt you.” “Will you forgive me?” “What can I do to make it right?” Second Corinthians 7:10 says, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.” Although this verse speaks in a larger spiritual context, the principle matters in the home. Sorrow should lead to change. Children must learn that an apology without change is incomplete. If a child keeps repeating the same wrong without effort to change, parents should address that pattern. Forgiveness is not merely about words. It belongs with repentance, correction, and changed behavior. Forgiveness and Trust Are Not Identical Children should learn that forgiveness and trust are connected but not the same. Forgiveness may be extended, while trust still needs to be rebuilt. If a child lies repeatedly, the parent may forgive while still checking more closely. If a sibling carelessly breaks something, forgiveness may be granted while access is limited. If a friend betrays confidence, bitterness should be rejected, but wisdom may require caution. Jesus said, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20). Character is shown over time. Trust grows where truthfulness, repentance, and faithfulness are consistently demonstrated. Parents should not pressure children to act as if trust has been fully restored when it has not. That can confuse them and make them vulnerable. Forgiveness releases vengeance. Trust is rebuilt through faithfulness. Forgiveness Must Include the Heart A child may say the words while continuing to replay the offense. He may constantly remind the other person of it. He may use the wrong as a weapon in every future argument. He may claim forgiveness while enjoying resentment. Parents must teach that forgiveness is not merely a phrase. It involves the heart. First Corinthians 13:5 says love “thinks no evil.” This does not mean love becomes naive or forgets facts. It means love does not keep a record of wrongs for the purpose of resentment and retaliation. Children should learn not to drag forgiven offenses into every new disagreement. Once something has been addressed, confessed, forgiven, and corrected, it should not become a permanent weapon. That takes maturity, and children may need repeated help. They should begin learning that forgiveness means refusing to live inside the offense. Parents Must Correct Both the Offender and the Offended In childhood conflicts, one child may have committed the first wrong, but the other may respond sinfully. A sibling may take a toy, and the other child may hit. One child may insult, and the other may destroy something. One may lie while the other may seek revenge. Parents must not excuse the second sin merely because the first child “started it.” Each child is responsible for his own actions. Romans 14:12 says, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” That principle applies in family conflict. The offender must learn repentance. The offended child must learn self-control and forgiveness. Both may need correction. This prevents children from learning that being hurt gives them permission to do wrong. Forgiveness Does Not Remove Boundaries Children must also learn that mercy and wisdom belong together. If someone is repeatedly cruel, dishonest, manipulative, or dangerous, forgiveness does not require unlimited access. Parents may need to set boundaries, supervise contact, involve other adults, or protect the child from further harm. Proverbs 22:3 says, “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.” Wisdom recognizes danger. Children should never be told that “forgiving” means they must tolerate abuse, conceal serious wrongdoing, or remain alone with someone who has harmed them. They should be taught to tell a trusted adult. They should be taught that wrong must be addressed. They should be taught that protection is not bitterness. They should be taught that boundaries can exist without revenge. This is especially important when the offense is serious. Parents must never use forgiveness language to cover abuse or silence a child. Parents Must Model Forgiveness Children learn forgiveness by watching how adults handle offense. They notice whether parents hold grudges. They notice whether old wrongs are brought into every argument. They notice whether apologies are sincere. They notice whether parents gossip about people who hurt them. They notice whether spouses forgive one another. If parents preach forgiveness but practice resentment, children will see the contradiction. Colossians 3:13 says, “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another.” Forgiveness must be lived in the home. Parents should admit their wrong when they sin against their children. A father who speaks harshly should apologize. A mother who judges unfairly should make it right. Parents do not lose authority by confessing sin. They show that everyone is accountable to God. Children need to see that forgiveness is not just something demanded from them. It is something their parents also practice. Forgiveness Prepares Children for Life in the Church The church is made up of people, and people sometimes fail one another. There will be misunderstandings, careless words, differences in judgment, weaknesses, and sins that require correction. Children who grow up expecting perfect people may become bitter when brethren disappoint them. Parents should prepare them to respond biblically. Matthew 18:15 teaches that when a brother sins, the matter should be addressed directly. Gossip, public humiliation, silent resentment, and revenge are not God’s way. Children should learn to speak to the person, seek truth, accept repentance, forgive, and preserve peace where possible. They should also learn that serious sin cannot simply be ignored. Correction and forgiveness belong together. This training begins in the family. Forgiveness Points Children Toward the Gospel Children must eventually understand that God's forgiveness is found through Christ. Sin is not forgiven merely because someone feels sorry. The gospel calls sinners to faith, repentance, confession, baptism, and faithful living. Acts 2:38 says, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Parents should teach children that God’s forgiveness is gracious, but not separate from His revealed will. This helps them avoid two errors. The first is thinking forgiveness can be earned. The second is thinking that forgiveness requires no response. Salvation is by God’s grace, made possible through Christ, and received through obedient faith. A child who learns forgiveness in the home is being prepared to understand mercy, repentance, reconciliation, and the gospel. Teaching Forgiveness in Everyday Conflicts Forgiveness is taught in ordinary moments. It is taught when siblings argue. It is taught when a child tells the truth about what happened. It is taught when one child apologizes. It is taught when another child chooses not to retaliate. It is taught when trust is patiently rebuilt. It is taught when parents set wise boundaries. It is taught when old offenses are not used as weapons. It is taught when the family remembers God’s mercy. Parents should not treat every conflict as an interruption. These moments are opportunities to train the heart. Children need to learn that forgiveness is not weakness. It is not pretending. It is not approving sin. It is not removing every consequence. It is refusing revenge, accepting repentance, showing mercy, pursuing peace, and trusting God with judgment. The world teaches children to cancel, retaliate, shame, and remember every wrong. Parents must teach something better. Teach them to forgive. Reflection Questions Am I teaching my children that forgiveness does not mean excusing sin or pretending they were not hurt? Do I help my children apologize with honesty, responsibility, and real change? Am I teaching the difference between forgiveness, reconciliation, trust, and boundaries? Do my children see me practicing forgiveness in marriage, family relationships, and the church? How can I use ordinary sibling or friendship conflicts to teach mercy without removing accountability?