Topical Bible: Children and Parents

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Introduction

The relationship between children and parents is a foundational aspect of biblical teaching, reflecting the order and structure God has established for families. The Bible provides guidance on the roles and responsibilities of both children and parents, emphasizing love, discipline, and instruction in the ways of the Lord.

Biblical Responsibilities of Parents

Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of raising their children in accordance with God's commandments. This includes providing for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The Bible underscores the importance of teaching children about God and His laws. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, it is written, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Fathers, in particular, are called to lead their families in spiritual matters. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the balance between discipline and nurturing, ensuring that children are guided without being discouraged.

Discipline and Instruction

Discipline is a key component of parental responsibility, intended to guide children towards righteousness. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This proverb emphasizes the necessity of correction as an expression of love, aiming to steer children away from harmful paths.

Instruction in the Lord is equally vital. Parents are to model godly behavior and instill biblical principles in their children. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This training involves consistent teaching and living out the faith in everyday life.

Biblical Responsibilities of Children

Children are called to honor and obey their parents, recognizing their authority as established by God. The fifth commandment, found in Exodus 20:12, states, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment is reiterated in the New Testament, where Ephesians 6:1-3 instructs, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'"

Obedience to parents is seen as a reflection of obedience to God. Colossians 3:20 reinforces this, stating, "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." This obedience is not merely about following rules but is an expression of respect and love.

The Role of Love and Respect

Love and respect are central to the relationship between children and parents. Parents are to love their children unconditionally, reflecting the love of God. In turn, children are to respect their parents, acknowledging their role and authority. This mutual love and respect create a harmonious family environment where God's principles can flourish.

Challenges and Encouragement

The Bible acknowledges the challenges that can arise in the parent-child relationship. Proverbs 29:17 offers encouragement, "Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul." This verse reassures parents that their efforts in discipline and instruction will ultimately lead to joy and peace.

For children, the Bible provides encouragement to remain steadfast in honoring their parents, even when it may be difficult. The promise of blessing and long life serves as motivation to uphold this commandment.

Conclusion

The biblical teachings on children and parents provide a framework for building strong, godly families. By adhering to these principles, families can experience the blessings of harmony, love, and spiritual growth.

Topical Bible Verses

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
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Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
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Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
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Ephesians 6:2-3
Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
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2 Corinthians 12:14
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
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Proverbs 29:17
Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight to your soul.
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Ephesians 6:4
And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
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Colossians 3:21
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
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Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
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Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.
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Greek

5387. philostorgos -- tenderly loving
... and storge (cherishing one's kindred, especially parents or children); fond of natural
relatives, ie Fraternal towards fellow Christian -- kindly affectioned. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5387.htm - 7k

Library

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents. A sermon (No.2406) intended for
reading on Lord's Day, March 31st, 1895, delivered by CH ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

Whether Children of Jews or Other Unbelievers be Baptized against ...
... saved through the faith of their parents." Wherefore it would be contrary to natural
justice if such children were baptized against their parents' will; just ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether children of jews or.htm

Whether it is Lawful for Parents to Strike their Children, or ...
... Therefore neither should parents strike their children, nor masters their slaves. ...
Therefore it is unlawful for parents to strike their children. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 4.htm

Whether the Children of Jews and Other Unbelievers Ought to be ...
... unbelief abrogate the right of unbelieving parents' authority over their children:
and consequently their children may be baptized against their parents' will. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the children of jews.htm

Let Pious Parents, who have Lost Hopeful Children in a Maturer Age ...
... 1. LET pious Parents, who have lost hopeful Children in a maturer Age, join
with others in saying, It is well. MY Friends, the Reasons ...
/.../1 let pious parents who.htm

St. Ambrose Exhorts Parents to Train their Children to virginity.. ...
... Three Books Concerning Virgins. To Marcellina, His Sister. Book I. Chapter VII.
St. Ambrose exhorts parents to train their children to virginity? St. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii st ambrose exhorts.htm

It is Probable that Children are Involved in the Guilt not Only of ...
... Chapter 46."It is Probable that Children are Involved in the Guilt Not Only
of the First Pair, But of Their Own Immediate Parents. ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 46 it is probable that.htm

Children May be Found of Like or of Unlike Dispositions with their ...
... For they observe also that children are unlike their parents in disposition; and
the reason of this, as they suppose, is, that one and the same person very ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 10 vi children may be.htm

Stones Made Children of Abraham; Or, Grace not Conveyed by ...
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:99. Stones made children of Abraham; or, Grace not
conveyed by religious parents, Matt. 3. 9. 1 Vain are the ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 110416667 stones made children.htm

Duties of Husbands, Wives, Parents, and Children.
... Chapter IX."Duties of husbands, wives, parents, and children. ... Ye children, "honour
your parents, that it may be well with you." [1251]. Footnotes: ...
/.../chapter ix duties of husbands wives.htm