7 Biblical Principles on ParentingSample

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE # 7: Bless Them

How we speak to and about our children makes an incredible impact on them. Our words carry the power of life and death. Using encouraging and positive words is normal for some, and for others, it’s very difficult. But learn to develop your ability to speak to your child in a way that pulls the best out of them. Also speak well about them to others in front of them. Public compliments and honor are powerful.

Our words are so formative that we can shape and change the course of our child's future simply by how we speak to them. Here’s a powerful and tragic story about the power of changing what we speak over our kids:

“As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin.” Genesis 35:18 NIV

Rachel is giving birth and sadly passes away during childbirth. In her pain, she names her son, Ben-Oni, but then his dad steps in and changes his name to Benjamin. Why did he do that? It becomes clear when you look at the meaning of the names. Ben-Oni means “son of my pain.” But, his father Jacob enters and hears what’s been spoken and labeled on his son, and instantly changes it to Benjamin, which means “son of my strength.”

This shows the power of what we speak over our kids, but it also shows us that we can override the negative that has been spoken and reset the direction of their future. It’s never too late to begin to speak life over our children.

Pray for Them

In addition to your words being creative in our kids' lives, we can also take this to the next level by praying for our kids. We begin with words of life and encouragement, but then we begin to call on Jesus to work in our child’s life. Prayer is an offensive spiritual weapon that God has given us. Praying for and covering your family and home is needed to resist the devil in your world. Don’t leave your family unprotected—cover them in prayer.