Grace is a pretty widely understood concept. Generally, people know that grace is favor given to someone undeserving. Amazing Grace has got to be one of the most well-known, recognizable and oft-sung songs in America; it shows up a lot in movies, concerts and all kinds of settings, and, of course, church services.
But I doubt many people have considered grace as an approach to parenting.
But why not?
For parents who are Jesus followers, who want to raise their kids to know and follow Jesus, what better way to teach them Jesus than to treat them the way Jesus has taught us?
I know what you’re thinking. Kids need firm corrective discipline.
And we don’t?
And grace excludes firm corrective discipline?
Maybe the best way to make my point is through these 6 points:
- The best way for parents to teach their kids the gospel is to offer forgiveness rather than penalties.
- We learn better by example than by exclamation, by model than by monologue. (actions speak louder than words)
- Learning is optimized by participation; letting a child experience forgiveness by receiving it from their earthly parent will ingrain grace in their psyche like no other method of teaching.
4. A child getting responsive wrath from their parent and then taught at church about the Heavenly Father’s forgiveness can leave a disconnect deep in their heart that may not manifest for decades, leaving them with a mess to clean up as a dysfunctional adult.
5. Grace parenting includes discipline and facing consequences; consider these two New Testament Scriptures written and applied to Christians like us:
Gal. 6:7 – Don’t be deceived; for God is not mocked, for whatever you sow, that you shall also reap.
Hebr. 12:6 – The Lord disciplines those He loves and chastises every son and daughter He receives.
6. Like everything we do with God, grace parenting takes a degree of faith; it requires that we trust God and His way, that it will ultimately prove best.
Parents, please consider these points and pray about grace adjustments to your parenting.
Admittedly, this is an introductory, scratch-the-surface blog on the topic, so I look forward to providing more depth and clarity in future blogs.
Meanwhile…..may the face of God, our perfect Heavenly Father, shine upon you and your children!
