What does the Bible say about loving your children?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible says that loving children is a God-given calling expressed through faithful care, patient discipline, tender instruction, and trust in the Lord who ultimately saves and sustains them. Children are a heritage from the Lord, not possessions to be neglected or provoked (Psalms 127:3-5; Ephesians 6:4). Parents are called to train them in wisdom and godliness, correcting them with loving purpose rather than harshness (Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 13:24). Love bears, hopes, and endures, reflecting the self-giving love God showed in giving His Son (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; John 3:16). Even where human parents fail, the Lord remains a faithful Father (Psalms 27:10).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 6:4
You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Psalms 127:3-5
[3] Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth. [5] Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
[4] Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, [5] doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; [6] doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- 1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
- Psalms 27:10
When my father and my mother forsake me, Then Yahweh will take me up.
- Proverbs 13:24
One who spares the rod hates his son, But one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
- John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
- Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13
But now faith, hope, and love remain--these three. The greatest of these is love.
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