The greatest gift we can ever give as believing parents is to pass down a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ to our children, our grandchildren, and the generations to come. So, how do we do that? How do we give our kids faith? It’s not like we can wrap faith up in a box or leave it in a will. So, what do we do?

Throughout Scripture, we see that faith is believing in God, taking Him at His Word. God directs parents to teach their children who God is and what He has done. We are to be disciples of Christ who live our faith out in front of our children. So, if you’re looking for practical, applicable ways to do that, here are 5 Ways to Bless your Child’s Walk with Christ.

Let them hear you pray.

I think it’s a given that you would pray for your kids, and they may well be the one for whom you pray the most. But, have you considered how important it is for your child to hear you pray? As believers, we are to pray without ceasing. Just think of how many opportunities we have for our children to hear us pray. Let your child hear you pray when you’re grateful, when your fear overwhelms, when you’re sorrowful, when you need provision. Pray out loud in praise, in conviction, for forgiveness. Ask God for wisdom, for courage, for strength in front of your child. And, let your child hear you pray for them. Let your child know that you go to God in trusting prayer for everything. Prayer is an act of worship, a sacrifice pleasing to our God. What a beautiful blessing it is for our children to hear us pray!

Let them know you love them.

Its straightforward: love and trust go hand-in-hand. Your child will learn you love them as you prove that you are trustworthy in your words and your actions. Children are constantly evaluating the people around them, deciding who they can trust to help meet their needs. Let them know, in no uncertain terms, that they can trust you. You do this by telling them often how much you love them, why you love them, and how they can trust you. You do this by setting clear rules and consequences, and then consistently carrying them out in love. You explain that you make rules because you love them, and that your rules are for their good. You provide what your children need, and you tell them that they can come to you for anything, because no one loves them like you do. You let them know by always speaking the truth in love. 

Your love for them will bless their walk with Christ. See, as parents, God has graced us with children, and we get to teach them about His love for people. We get to be the ones who show them that He is ultimately the One they can trust to meet their every need. When our children learn that they can trust us — in all circumstances, at all times — our words about God and His love and trustworthiness will mean that much more. When our kids have evaluated us and found us to be trustworthy and loving, they will find it easier to trust their loving God. What a blessing it will be to let our children know we love them!

Let them follow your lead.

If you truly desire to bless your child’s walk with Christ, let them follow you as you walk with Him. Let them see you read and study His Word. Let your child hear you speak of how God is teaching you, changing you, growing you, guiding you. Let them know of your love for Him, hearing you praise His name. Let them witness you testify of Christ and His gospel to the lost. Let your child see you be generous and humble, kind and forgiving. Let them know of your trust and faith in God, and how He blesses obedience. What a beautiful blessing it will be if our children can follow our lead!

Let them see their sin.

This one may be one of the most neglected ways to bless your child’s walk with Christ. It can feel mean, harsh, or judgmental. But, here’s the thing — your child cannot walk with Christ if they do not understand or see their own sin for what it is. So, as parents, when we see our children lie, disobey,  or disrespect, we get to be the ones to lovingly point it out to them. If you know your child has cheated, stolen, or injured, take the time to explain why they were wrong and how to try and make things right. Tell them about sin. Tell them about God’s love for them, and how His rules are for their good. And, most importantly, tell them there is a remedy for sin. You get to be the one to explain that God didn’t leave you in your sin, and He doesn’t leave them in theirs. What a blessing it will be to our child’s walk with Christ when we let them see their need for Him!

Let them hear of their Savior.

Can I start this one with an “amen”? This is the greatest privilege any parent has! Do not leave it to someone else. YOU get to tell your child of their Savior! So, tell them. Let them hear you speak of Him. Let them listen to songs that proclaim the Good News. Be a part of a church with people who teach and preach and praise Jesus, crucified, risen, and coming again. Let them read Scripture and books that tell of His grace, mercy, goodness, and love. Tell them the wondrous story — “teach [it] diligently to your sons and… talk of [it] when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Oh, let your child hear of their Savior. What a blessing it will be to their walk with Christ!

So, what if you’re reading this and thinking, “It’s too late. My child is grown.” Take hope! It is never too late. As long as you have breath in your lungs, there is time to bless your child’s walk with Christ. We are praying for you as you start today.