The toughest job in the world is being a responsible parent. When a mom or dad realizes the child they are raising is “a heritage from the Lord” (Psa. 127:3), it emphasizes all the more the seriousness of what they are doing in raising that child.
There are many Bible passages that specifically address the topic of parenting, but there are also numerous godly principles throughout Scripture that have ready-made application for parents today. While the specific context of these passages may not be addressing parenting, consider how each of these apply to and should, therefore, guide your task of being a mother or father.
1. Matthew 6:33—“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”
2. Matthew 5:16—“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
3. 1 Timothy 4:12—“Be an example of the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
4. 2 Timothy 4:2—“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
5. Romans 10:17—“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
6. Proverbs 3:5-6— “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
7. Luke 18:1—“They ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
8. Titus 2:12—“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”
9. Titus 3:1-2—“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”
10. Hebrews 10:25—“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”
11. 1 Thessalonians 5:14—“Warn [the] unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”
12. Galatians 5:9—“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
This list could be multiplied a hundredfold, for God’s principles for Christian living can help every parent in their task of bringing up their children in the way they should go. May God help us, through His word, to return His heritage to Him!