Influencing children is an essential aspect of parenting, as this can be a powerful way to instil values and principles. Here are some strategies to influence their lives positively along with relevant scripture:
- LEAD BY EXAMPLE: Dear parent, your actions speak louder than words. Therefore, live your life in a way that your children can see and emulate.
Be a role model. Children learn by observing their parents. Therefore demonstrate the qualities and behaviors you wish to instill in them.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Also (Matthew 5:16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
2. TEACH THROUGH STORIES: Share biblical stories and parables with your children, Discuss its teachings and help them know how to apply the lessons in their lives.
_Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
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“( _2 Timothy 3:16 ) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
3. PRAY TOGETHER: Pray with your children regularly, both individually and as a family, inviting God’s presence and guidance into your lives. Also, teach them how to pray, and let them know the purpose of bringing their joys, issues, and requests before God daily. This will give you peace and help them in the future.
Philippians 4:6: Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Matthew 19:14: But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
4. SHOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: Demonstrate love, acceptance, and forgiveness toward your children, just as our Heavenly Father loves us. Do not compare them or show favouritism among them.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
5. MEMORIZE THE SCRIPTURE: Encourage your children to memorize verses from the Bible that symbolize important principles and values. Also, connect the scriptural teachings to real-life situations.
” Psalms 119:11: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
6. ENGAGE IN OPEN COMMUNICATION: Create an environment where your children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. Listen attentively, show empathy, encourage them to ask you questions and be ready to provide guidance and wisdom when needed.
Read Proverbs 18:13: He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
7. PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND CORRECTION: As a parent, you need to offer loving guidance and correction when needed, using biblical principles as a basis to instil discipline and moral instruction.
Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
8. ENCOURAGE COMPASSION: Teach your children the importance of kindness and compassion as a family. Involve them in community service projects and encourage unity among them.
According to 1 Peter 4:10 1: As every man hath received the gift, even s,o minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
And lastly, Give your children quality education and be available when they need you.
Remember, as parents, your ultimate trust and reliance on raising and influencing our children should be in God. Seek His guidance and wisdom as you influence their lives. Furthermore, incorporating scriptural guidance into your parenting approach will help you to influence them in ways that nurture their spiritual growth, moral development, and relationship with God.
Written and illustrated by Edokpayi Omolola. F