Christian Home for a Child

Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:14 (NIV) Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

As a Christian parent, I see my home as the very first place my child will truly meet Jesus. It's not just about church; it starts with me. Here's how I think about it:

I Am Their First Jesus:

• My Love Shows His Love: The way I love and care for my child reflects God's unconditional love for them.
• My Patience Reflects His Grace: When they make mistakes (and they will!), my patience teaches them about God's forgiveness.
• My Forgiveness Echoes His Mercy: Showing them how to forgive and being forgiving myself introduces them to God's mercy.

Introducing Jesus Early:

• Stories of Jesus: I share the amazing stories of Jesus' life, His miracles, and His teachings in a way they can understand and know who Jesus is.
• Bedtime Prayers: Talking to God together as a family makes prayer a natural and comforting part of their day. I teach how to pray and be closer to God when they go to sleep and get up from sleep.
• Family Bible Time: Even simple readings help them hear God's Word and understand its importance. Through family prayer meetings, they learn songs, Bible lessons, and thus how they get introduced to Jesus.

Jesus is the Source of Everything:

• Where Good Things Come From: I help them see that all the good things in their life—love, joy, food, shelter—ultimately come from God.
• Not Just Things: I teach them that true happiness isn't about toys or possessions but about having Jesus in their hearts. I teach them about sharing what you have with those who have not.

Growing as Real Humans for God:

• Being Kind and Honest: I show them through my actions and words how to treat others with kindness and always tell the truth—just like Jesus.
• Avoiding Harmful Things: As they grow, I'll explain the dangers of things like drugs and smoking, guiding them toward healthy choices that honor God.
• This World Isn't Forever: I want them to know that while this life is important, our real and lasting home is in heaven with Jesus. This helps them focus on what truly matters.

Guiding Their Growth:

• Body, Mind, Spirit: I want to help them grow strong physically, learn new things mentally, get along well with others socially, and most importantly, grow closer to God spiritually. Sister Ellen G. White wrote in her education book that “True education is the harmonious development of the physical, mental, and the spiritual power,” which is very essential to teach every child from the early ages.
• Good Christian Education: I'll seek out opportunities for them to learn more about their faith in a supportive environment.

As a Christian parent, my deepest desire is to cultivate a home where Jesus isn't confined to the pages of a book or a frame hanging on a wall, but rather a tangible and living presence in our daily life. I envision our home as a sanctuary where my child encounters the real, transforming love of Christ in every interaction. Just as Jesus Himself opened His arms to welcome the little children, I long for our home to be the first loving embrace that gently guides my child into His compassionate care, reflecting His love through my actions, His patience in challenging moments, and the forgiveness He so freely offers.

Ultimately, I pray that our home will be the initial, nurturing ground where my child's heart is first opened to the gentle knock of the Savior, fostering a lifelong journey of faith and a deep, personal relationship with Him.

Benediction:

Heavenly Father,

I bring my child before You. May our home be the very first place they truly meet Jesus.

Let my love be a reflection of Your love, let my patience show Your grace, let my forgiveness show Your mercy.

Plant Your Word in their heart early. Guide them to know You as the source of all good and walk alongside them as they learn to live with an eternal perspective. Amen.