Saved Sinners

Expected standard: excellence. At work, we must strive for the best. A mistake or disobeying an assignment can lead to termination. Discipline drives our days with little mercy.

And then we come home and look into a child’s eyes. Depending on their age and disposition, we must gear down our expectations and operations standards. We have to remember they are finite; they are human. We have to remember we are finite; we are human.

Teaching our children about God, then, is also a balancing practice. His love is merciful. His love is justice. He loves us too much to leave us in our less-than-best state. He disciplines. He forgives.

You are kind, God!

Please have pity on me.

You are always merciful!

Please wipe away my sins.

Psalm 51:1 (CEV)

Some days our children need to be reminded that they are sinners. Sometimes they need to be reminded that God gives them grace. Without understanding these things, we don’t recognize our need for forgiveness or appreciate and realize the depth of God’s forgiving love and the price of his sacrifice on the cross. On the other hand, when we understand we have sinned but do not acknowledge or accept God’s forgiveness, we wallow in shame and don’t realize the depth of his forgiving love and the price of his sacrifice. Either posture keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love for us and stunts our spiritual journey with him.

Finding that balance in teaching your children requires nothing less than God’s infinite wisdom leading you moment by moment. Only he can see the heart and know how to move it. Ask the Lord for insight to teach them about the shame of sin and the gift of his forgiveness. Remind them they are sinners and they are saved by grace.

PRAY

Lord, show me how to teach my children about their sins and your sacrifice. May they learn to love you more and know your endless grace. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What sins do you feel bad about? How does Jesus’s forgiveness make you feel?

Apply: When a child is convicted of sin, read Psalm 51 together.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Isaiah 43:25

Acts 3:19