Four life-giving words your kids need to hear from you
Parents have a huge impact in the life of their children(young or old), and speaking God’s truth into their life is essential.
Whether you are a grown adult or a newborn baby, communication is an instrumental part of everyday life. As parents, we should look to the Bible to lead us in effectively raising our kids to be followers of Jesus. He created each of us uniquely in His perfect image.
In Psalms 134:14, the Bible tells us just that! “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made”… We all have different parenting styles, but God equips us with exactly what we need at the exact moment in which we need it. It is important for us to share these sweet gifts with our children. These can come through prayer, words of praise or encouragement, hugs, high fives or fist bumps, spending special time with your child, and many other things. What are some heartfelt words you tell your kids frequently? Speaking life giving words has the ability to encourage and bring love and truth into our families.
I Love You
Powerful words to be heard every day and maybe even multiple times a day. These words help our kids KNOW they are loved. We cannot overemphasize how much we love our kids. Can you believe Jesus loves us perfectly and completely? He sacrificed on our behalf. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loves and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins”. 1 John 4:10
I’m Praying for You
Do you pray for your kids? Do they know you pray for them? It is impactful that they know. I can remember my mom telling me at a very young age that she was praying for my husband and my children. That was horrifying for me at the time, but she is always praying and lifting her children up to the Lord. It is important that your kids know you are praying for them intentionally and persistently. Praying is real, it’s powerful and God is listening! “In those days when you pray, I will listen.” Jeremiah 29:12
I’m Sorry
As parents, so many times we have said things we wished we could take back, used a harsh tone, responded too quickly in anger, and the list goes on. When we say, “I’m sorry,” we are modeling repentance. It’s not natural and often it isn’t easy admitting we have messed up. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through the process of repentance and forgiveness, models what Jesus does for us to our kids. “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave from it”. Proverbs 22:6
I’m Proud of You
There is not a day that goes by that my husband tells both of our girls he is proud of them. EVERY DAY. Talk about love, impact and building confidence. It does not matter if they accomplished a major life goal, made a good grade, or absolutely nothing happened on that particular day. He loves them and wants them to know he is on their side. “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you...” Isaiah 43:4
Parents are most influential in shaping and raising children to love and follow Jesus for their lifetime and generations to follow. As we parent this week, think about being great listeners, speaking carefully, and leaving anger behind. James 1:19 (The Message) so beautifully reminds us to do so. “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.”