Topical Teachings > L - Q

Parent Child Relationships

The desire of every parent and child is to find happiness in life and to live in a loving, happy family relationship. However, conflict, rebellion, lack of discipline, confusion and anxiety, often mar the peace and unity that should reign in the family. The Christian who is seeking love and harmony in family relationships is often the one who must take the initiative by reaching out to other family members.

God's desire is that all should come to a knowledge of the truth, receive salvation and be empowered by His Spirit to live abundantly and grow into the fullness of Christ. This requires self-discipline and the submission of oneself to others. In the case of children, the submission is first of all to their parents in the Lord. However, whether parent or child, each one is to honour and to prefer the other above themselves (Romans 12:10).

What Scripture Says
Positive Things You Can Do
As You Pray
Suggested Reading

What Scripture Says

"Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you, and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 12:28).

"The righteous man walks in his integrity: his children are blessed after him" (Proverbs 20:7).

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth. And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:1-4).

"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:20).

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Positive Things You Can Do

Your first need as a parent or child is to receive God's gifts of salvation and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Ask Jesus to save you and fill you with His Holy Spirit. As a person filled with the Holy Spirit, you will begin to manifest the fruit of the Spirit in your life: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, meekness, faithfulness, patience and self-control. This will better equip you to help your non-Christian family members (Galatians 5:22,23). You will find yourself more and more able to minister discipline, love, peace, orderliness, etc., in the home.

God's promise in Acts 16:31 is that all who believe in Jesus, along with their households, shall be saved. Claim and act upon the assurance that God will fulfill this promise.

If you are a child or teen who has asked Jesus to be your Saviour and you live in the home of your parents, the same promise applies. In obeying and respecting your parents, you are obeying and respecting the order God has placed in the home. Your testimony will influence and help lead your parents, brothers and sisters to Jesus for salvation.

As a Christian parent, you must set a Godly example and be responsible for the training and disciplining of your child in the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6,7; Hebrews 12:5,6,11). This is also a means of expressing God's love to your children, which will help bring them to a place of accepting Jesus Christ into their lives.

A basic spiritual principle that can make a difference in parent-child relationships is to minister praise to God, giving Him preeminence in all matters and relationships. When one ministers to God; God ministers in return (1 Samuel 2:30b).

Another principle is that of intercession (strong, fervent prayer). As you intercede for your children (or parents), be reminded of God's promises to bring about salvation within every member of the family. Thank and praise Him for doing so. An intercessor stands in proxy before God on behalf of the persons for whom he is praying. He also engages in spiritual warfare against Satan and his wiles
(Ephesians 6:12).

As you pray in intercession, you bear the burdens of those prayed for. As you bear those burdens, you will acquire a better understanding of the person(s), which will lead to an even greater love for them. Where there is love, relationships tend to get closer and more loving. As love reigns in the home and intercession is made, discipline, order, peace and joy within the family are sure to follow.

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As You Pray

Ask God to give you a great love for your children (or parents). Ask Him to help you see all their praiseworthy traits. Ask for ways to bless them. Build them up with appreciation and encouragement, rather than criticism and depreciation. Thank and praise God for His forgiveness of sin. Thank Him for His love praising Him in the sure knowledge that He can and will restore relationships between family members.

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Parent Child Relationships

What Scripture Says

Positive Things You Can Do

As You Pray

Suggested Reading

PRAYER CENTRE