I’ve heard it put that our job of teaching our children the Gospel is like gathering kindling for a fire. Sticks, twigs, bits of straw here and there- all preparing for the Holy Spirit to come and light it all on fire! This is absolutely true for those of us with little ones who have yet to place their faith in Christ. However, I think we must also see the importance of continually talking about and pointing our children’s hearts (as well as our own) to the basic truths of the Gospel, even well after they first put their faith in Christ.
We first need to be clear in we want them to KNOW, so that we know what sticks, twigs, and bits of straw we need to gather around our children.
Truth #1: “For God SO LOVED THE WORLD, that…” John 3:16
The word love used here, in the original Greek language is agapao. It is a verb; love in action. It is the expression of God’s compassion for us. Agapao used in John 3:16 is used the same way in these verses:
- “But God DEMONSTRATES His own love TOWARD us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NAS
- “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which HE LOVED US, even when we were dead in our trespasses, MADE US ALIVE together with Christ–by grace you have been saved” Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV
- “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who LOVED US and GAVE US eternal comfort and good hope through grace” 2 Thessalonians 2:16 ESV
- “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that HE LOVED US and SENT his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 ESV
- “…To him who LOVES US and HAS FREED US from our sins by his blood” Revelation 1:5b ESV
His love is ACTIVE. His love for us is the REASON He sent Jesus.
I want my kids to know that “for God so loved Kenneth…“, for God so loved Anna…”, “for God so loved Michael…” that He gave, sent, demonstrated His love for each of them. Before they can understand the depth of the rest of the Gospel, they must begin to understand the depth of God’s specific love for them.
Next, we need to PRAY and TRUST God to do the work of changing the hearts of our children.
“So we have come to KNOW and to BELIEVE the love that God has for us.” 1 John 4:16a
It is not enough to know that God loves you. Our children must believe it. We must believe it. Here are some Scriptures to pray over the hearts of our children:
- That they would come to know and believe the love God has for them. 1 John 4:16
- That they would be rooted and grounded in the knowledge of His love for them. Ephesians 3:17
- That they would have the strength to know the breadth, length, height, and depth of His love for them, the love that surpasses all knowledge. Ephesians 3:18-19
- That the love of God would be poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5
- That the love of Christ would control them. 2 Corinthians 5:14
- That they would be kept by the love of God, waiting for the mercy of Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 1:21
- That they would see that His steadfast love for them endures forever. Lamentations 22:23
**UPDATE** Download free prayer card here
Now, let’s put this in to action! Here are some ways we can point our children to the truth of God’s love for them.
- Do you believe in God’s personal, deep love for you? We cannot impart something we do not posses. Pray for the Lord to reveal to your own heart the depth of His love for you. Ask Him for the faith to believe it, and the grace to live it out.
- Talk about God’s love throughout the day. Point to His fingerprint in this world, and how it is all an expression of God’s love for us.
- Go over the “agapao” verses with your kids. Memorize them as a family. Post them around the house.
- …What are some ways that you are laying bits of the truth of God’s love as kindling?
I would love to hear your ideas!
How have you pointed your boys to God’s deep, specific love for them? Craft ideas? Activities? Teachable moments?
Stay tuned next month, for Part 2 of Laying Kindling.
*The four main points of this series follow the outline of The Four Spiritual Laws.
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Blessings to you and your family!
I have two older children with families of their own. They are both growing in the knowledge of Christ. I was not a committed follower until later in my life. Therefore, I did not walk His path! They are struggling with truly believing His Love for them, as I do at times.
My two younger children, have accepted Christ, both at very young ages and have been baptized…Having not been raised in a devoted Christian home, I have struggled with teaching them the very truths that you have shared…Thank God, and you for your ministry!
Thanks, Lory! I think many, even those that have been raised in a Christian home, don’t have confidence in sharing the gospel. It is so easy to get sidetracked from the CORE of what the gospel is.
Katie Orr´s last [type] ..Discovering God in Acts 17
LOVE IT! Thanks again Kaite!
Beautifully written. I love the analogy of laying kindling that the Holy Spirit will ignite! I can’t say I have any unique craft ideas, but I am constantly trying to show my kids what God’s love really looks like. We’re memorizing 1 Cor. 13 while brushing our teeth lately, and it’s been awesome because throughout the day I will hear them say “Love is kind” or “Love is not rude” (usually when their brother is being unkind or rude!). It’s been a great opportunity to point them to the fact that God is the only one who can and does perfectly love!
Emily´s last [type] ..Theology of a three-year-old
What a FUN idea! Thanks for sharing.
Katie Orr´s last [type] ..Discovering God in Acts 17
What a great analogy to think of all these truths we talk about with our children as kindling. I too have struggled with how to be genuine in my faith when sharing it with my boys without being pushy or doing it in a way that is over their heads. God spoke 2 Corinthians 4:7 to me reminding me that it is a treasure inside of me and that it comes from God and not from me. When I let that rest on my heart it took all the pressure off of me. If God and I are in constant communication, that faith and love for Him will shine through without me trying so hard. Thank you Katie for these posts which get me thinking about more practical ways to lay a foundation that points to Him! I look forward to reading more
“it is a treasure inside of me and that it comes from God and not from me. When I let that rest on my heart it took all the pressure off of me. If God and I are in constant communication, that faith and love for Him will shine through without me trying so hard.”
What a great truth! Thanks for sharing this, Melissa!
Katie @ Do Not Depart´s last [type] ..Toolbox Tuesday – The Dictionary