Parenting remains one of the most challenging and rewarding callings you can undertake here in the world. It is often a season filled with great responsibility on your part, moments of joy, trials and challenging times. It is a journey filled with opportunities to create lasting memories, share your faith in God and leave behind a godly legacy for those you love.
As parents, it should be our desire to constantly seek wisdom from God, pray for patience and strength to nurture and guide our children in God’s way and along God’s pathway for their lives. God’s word offers timeless and powerful scriptural affirmations to help us navigate this journey of parenting. Here are “21 Scriptural Affirmations for Parents” to ignite your faith and to always remind you of God’s promises and guidance as you raise your children.
Good and Bad Parents in the Bible
The bible lets us into the lives of different men and women whose lives and actions leave us with remarkable lessons. Some of them were parents in the bible whose stories can teach us a thing or two in our own journey as parents. Here is a quick look at some good and bad parents in the bible.
1. Abraham – A Model of Faithful Parenting
I think of Abraham and the impression he must have made in the heart and life of Isaac as he walked in complete obedience to God. This we see in his willingness to obey God’s command to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-18). Although God eventually provided a ram as a substitute, his action demonstrated his complete trust in God and left a powerful legacy of faith behind for his son Isaac.
Abraham’s unwavering belief in God’s promises also set a strong spiritual example for his children. He was a man who was committed to instructing his household in the ways of the Lord. “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” – Genesis 18:19
Abraham was a provider and protector of his family and those in his household. He cared for the well-being and safety of his family and all that were under his care. This we see in how he went all out to rescue his nephew Lot from captivity. His life was marked by moments of profound faith and obedience to God, all of which laid a strong spiritual foundation for his many descendants. He was willing to follow God’s commands, teach his household God’s ways and intentionally care for his family. His life and actions demonstrate the many characteristics of a godly parent.
2. Hannah – Giving Her Child Back to God
We mostly remember Hannah, as the mother of Samuel. She was that woman who was in deep anguish and went to God in prayer asking for a child. In that quiet but powerful moment in prayer, this yet-to-be parent made a vow to God. She said that if God will give her a child, she will return him to serve in his house all the days of his life. She fulfilled her vow and brought little Samuel back to the house of God.
Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. And the child was young. Then they slaughtered a bull, and brought the child to Eli. And she said, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be] lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there. – I Samuel 1:24-27
Hannah’s story is a reminder to us as parents that our children belong to God and are only entrusted into our hands as parents for a time and season. We see this in Hannah’s courage and willingness to let go of a child that she had waited for her whole life, and entrust him completely into God’s hands. She teaches us as parents today about the power of entrusting the today and future of our children’s lives to God. As you willingly give and entrust your children to God, he will always be with them as they journey through life.
I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for. And now I have dedicated him to God. He’s dedicated to God for life. – 1 Samuel 1:27 The Message
3. Manoah and His Wife (Parents of Samson) – Following God’s Instructions
You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines. – Judges 13:5
The parents of Samson received specific instructions concerning the life and purpose of their child. And they showed obedience and reverence to God’s instructions as they followed the instructions spoken by the angel concerning their son. But one thing that struck me most in their story is when Manaoh prayed and asked the angel this – teach us how to raise this boy who is to be born. (Judges 13:8 MSG) How often do we go to God in prayer and ask him to teach us how to raise our children?
Then Manoah prayed to the Lord, saying, “Lord, please let the man of God come back to us again and give us more instructions about this son who is to be born”. – Judges 13:8 NIV
As a parent, and in the place of prayer, God can give you instructions, strategies and wisdom as you raise your children. When those ideas, instructions and nudges come – will you obey them? The parents of Samson followed God’s instructions to the latter.
4. Noah – A Righteous Parent in a Corrupt World
Noah was described as “a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God” (Genesis 6:9). His obedience to God who asked him to build an ark did not only save his family from destruction, but also demonstrated his trust in God’s command.
His steadfast faith in God’s word, even when the rest of the world lived in corruption and immorality provided a strong spiritual foundation for his children. Noah’s life teaches us as parents about the importance of leading by example, protecting one’s family, and maintaining faith in challenging circumstances.
5. Lois and Eunice (Grandmother and Mother of Timothy) – Passing on Your Faith
The faith of a mother and grandmother can be passed on from one generation to the next. One parent’s legacy of faith did not stop with her, it was passed from her daughter to her grandson. That woman was Lois, the grandmother of Timothy. Apostle Paul spoke these words to a young Timothy who was about to start his journey in ministry.
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.- 1Timothy 1:5
These women exemplified the importance of a godly heritage and faith. They instilled in Timothy a strong foundation of faith and knowledge of the Scriptures from a very young age. Paul encouraged him to continue in what he had learned from the word and his parents. It is our duty as parents to pass on our faith to our children. We do this when we become intentional about filling their hearts with the word of God, teaching them from scriptures what God expects from us as his children and modelling to them a godly life.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 3:14-15
6. Eli’s Lack of Parental Discipline
Eli was that parent who though fully aware of his sons’ misbehavior and actions failed to effectively discipline them. His two sons Hophni and Phinehas were poorly behaved and corrupt children who abused their priestly positions, engaged in illicit acts in the house of God and treated the Lord’s offerings with contempt (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22).
His permissiveness and lack of parental discipline eventually led to his children’s downfall and brought God’s judgment on his family. Your role as a parent is to guide and train your children in the way of the Lord. When children misbehave and do wrong which they will many times, it is your duty as a parent to correct, discipline and counsel them for their own good. You must never as a parent turn a blind eye to character flaws, traits of rudeness, self-entitlement, selfishness and wickedness in children. You are like a guide to steer them in the right direction in godliness, character and good conduct.
For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering. – I Samuel 3:14-15
7. David’s Parental Neglect
David was the father of Amnon, Absalom, Adonijah alongside other children.
The bible described David as a man after God’s own heart, yet David struggled greatly with parenting and family management. He failed to address Amnon’s sin against Tamar (2 Samuel 13:21), which resulted in Absalom’s rebellion and eventual death.
He also failed to discipline Adonijah, who tried to usurp the throne (1 Kings 1:5-6). He seemed to have lost grip of his family and household which led his children to make poor moral choices, bad decisions and walk in rebellion. His parental neglect reminds us today as parents of what can happen when we neglect our children, fail to discipline and correct them and teach them moral values. Parenting is much more than the gifts and comfort that we give – it is more about raising humans with strong values, moral character, self-discipline who have Christ living inside them.
8. Lot’s Poor Choices and Lack of Discernment
Abraham gave Lot the opportunity to choose which part of the land he would move to after the argument between their herdsmen. But Lot’s lack of discernment led him to make a choice that would end up having future consequences on his family.
Lot looked ahead and made a poor choice based on what he saw – the land ahead looked very green. He chose Sodom, a city known for its wickedness and high immorality, and this exposed his family to ungodly and immoral influences (Genesis 13:12-13).
When the angels came to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, his wife looked back and turned to a pillar of salt. Remember Lot’s wife , her heart had become entangled to the life and people in Sodom so much that it was so hard for her to let it all go. After fleeing Sodom, Lot’s daughters got him drunk and committed incest to preserve their family line. This led to the birth of Moab and Ammon, ancestors of Israel’s future enemies (Genesis 19:30-38).
Every choice we make as parents will always have consequences – good or bad! The choices you make as a parent can have positive or negative consequences on the lives and future of your children. You need to be discerning in your role as a parent in every season of life.
9. Rebekah’s Favoritism and Deception
Rebekah was the mother of Esau and Jacob and she is that parent who showed clear favoritism towards her younger son Jacob. She was the one that also encouraged Jacob to deceive his father Isaac to steal Esau’s blessing. This mother’s actions planted seeds of discord, family division and hatred in her family, and also caused a rift between her sons which resulted in Jacob fleeing for his life (Genesis 27:5-17).
This same favoritism came to play again in the family of her son Jacob who had a favorite child amongst his children. Jacob loved Joseph so much that he even made a special coat of many colors for him. The seeds of hatred, bitterness and jealousy sprouted amongst his children. His other sons conspired to kill Joseph out of envy.
As parents, we need wisdom and discernment as we raise our children, so that we do not plant seeds of hatred and discord amongst them through our actions and inactions.
10. Jeroboam’s Failure to Worship and Honor God
Jeroboam turned his back on God and chose a life of rebellion against God. He is that king who led Israel into idolatry, setting up golden calves for worship. God declared that he had done more evil than all the kings who lived before him.
You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods, idols made of metal; you have aroused my anger and turned your back on me. – 1 Kings 14:9
He failed in his position as a leader and rather than point his people to God, he led them to sin against God and dishonor him. Because of this, his family suffered the consequences of his actions. His lineage was cut short, his kindred who died were torn to pieces by dogs in the field and devoured by vultures. A life lived apart from God can impact our children in many ways. A parent who intentionally continues to live in sin is only planting bad seeds, which can have a negative impact and bear bad fruits in the life of his children.
Because of this, I am going to bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will cut off from Jeroboam every last male in Israel—slave or free. I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns dung, until it is all gone. Dogs will eat those belonging to Jeroboam who die in the city, and the birds will feed on those who die in the country. The Lord has spoken!’ –1 Kings 14:10-11
21 Scriptural Affirmations for Parents
As parents, we can use scriptural affirmations to encourage ourselves and help us stay positive in times of fear, anxiety, worry and uncertainty concerning our children. Here are 21 Scriptural affirmations that you can speak daily as a parent.
Affirmation #1– I am blessed to have a home and family of my own. I am called and chosen and I am a joyous mother of children. I am not a bitter, angry, selfish or ungodly mother.
Psalm 113:9 He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!
Affirmation #2– I am a fruitful vine within my home. My household is as lush as a vineyard God has blessed. My children surround my table. Their lives are fresh and their future promising. My children will always bring me joy as they gather round our table.
Psalm 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Affirmation #3– My heart is full of compassion for my children. I am patient and quick to forgive their mistakes and errors.
Psalm 103:13 –As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
Affirmation #4– I have rest in God as I parent my children. I refuse to struggle on this journey of shaping hearts and nurturing lives. I have entered into God’s rest and have ceased from all my parenting struggles.
Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Affirmation #5– I will not grow, weak, weary and tired. God gives me strength daily to keep planting godly seeds in the hearts and lives of my children.
Galatians 6:9 – And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Affirmation #6 – I choose my words wisely and speak only life-giving words over my children. My ears are open to hear my children’s unspoken words and emotional needs.
James 1:19 – Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Affirmation #7– I will run to God in those moments when I feel burdened and overwhelmed. I will seek refuge in God’s presence and embrace him as a very present help in my time of need.
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Affirmation #8 – My eyes are on God and my hope is in him. I will trust him wholly for the life and future of my children.
Psalm 121:1-2 – I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Affirmation #9 – I have the peace of God in my heart. I reject every form of turmoil, unbelief and mental distress concerning my children. God’s peace calms my heart in every storm.
John 14:27- Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Affirmation #10 – I reject every form of fear in my life. I will not be afraid for the future of my children. I choose to rest in God’s love for them.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Affirmation #11 – I am chosen by God to parent my children. I can do this job through Christ who strengthens and enables me.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Affirmation #12 – I embrace God’s wisdom for this parenting journey. I receive God’s wisdom daily and deploy it as I guide and lead my children in God’s way.
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Affirmation #13– I will impress God’s truth and counsel in the hearts of my children. I will talk about his word freely and constantly within my home. I will teach them to speak God’s truth over their lives. My home is full of footprints of God’s word. His word saturates every corner and space in my home.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Affirmation #14 – I am patient and kind. I am not irritable and resentful as a parent. I am not easily angered and never quick to take offense. My heart is full of love for my children and my arms will always be a safe place of shelter and comfort for my children.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things
Affirmation #15 – I will not provoke my children to anger through my actions and by the way I treat them. I am committed to bringing up my children in Christian discipline and the instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 – Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Affirmation #16 – I will train up my children in the way they should go with the help of God. I will not be slack and negligent in this role and responsibility God has entrusted into my hands as a parent.
Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Affirmation #17 – I will not be burdened with worry over the lives and future of my children. God cares about them and will never leave or forsake them.
1 Peter 5:7 – Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Affirmation #18 – I am confident of God’s supply in my parenting journey. God will supply all that I need – wisdom, strength, grace, love, good health, provision and financial capability.
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
Affirmation #19 – I receive grace and wisdom to always speak the right words to my children’s heart and situation. I will continually speak God’s wisdom, love, courage and peace to my child’s soul and life.
Proverbs 25:11 – A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Affirmation #20– I am a worthy role-model to my children. I will always model integrity, dignity, godliness, humility, empathy and love through my words and actions as a parent.
Titus 2:7-8a – Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned.
Affirmation #21– I am committed to leaving behind a godly legacy for my children. I will continue to tell my children and grandchildren of the love, grace, mercy and goodness of God.
Joel 1:3– Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.
A Final Encouragement to Parents.
I want you to know that God chose you specifically to parent your child/children and you are fit for the role. Remember that God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called. I encourage you to keep leaning to God and his word for wisdom, guidance and instruction as you raise your children. And most importantly, keep planting seeds of faith in the hearts of your children and never stop praying for their today and their future. It is my prayer that God will fill your heart with courage, your mind with his wisdom and your body with strength to be the parent that your children need. May the light of your godly influence on your children shine brightly for generations to come. Amen!
What Does the Bible Say About Children Being a Blessing
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This post is beautiful, Ufuoma!! Thank you for taking time to dig deep on this, I believe parenthood is a sacred and holy calling. Love how you took time to share about the parenting examples from the Bible and all the lovely and encouraging verses. God’s word does offer powerful scriptural affirmations to help us navigate parenting. Thank you dear friend … 🩷
Thank you Donna for reading.