By Michael & Marlene Griffith, Contributing Writers

Parenting is not an easy task. It is a part of life that can take you through a roller coaster of emotions. There is excitement for this glorious blessing that only the Lord could provide. There is hope for what this child will be like, and dreams of what kind of parent you will be. But most importantly there is the love-driven desire to teach them about the Lord and his matchless grace.

How can you daily show them?

1) Love God

Deuteronomy 6:5 (also Matthew 22:37) “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Deuteronomy 6:7 “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie d own, and when you rise.”

One of the greatest gifts you can give you children is the gift of them knowing and seeing how you love Christ. Speak of the Lord often, speak of His love, His sacrifice in dying at the cross for our sins. Let them hear the love for Him in every word you speak.

2) Love others (an outflow of the previous)

Matthew 22:39 “you shall love your neighbor as yourself”

Showing your children your love for Christ in how you love your neighbor is a blessing to them and a life changing example. When you children see how you care for others, it will inevitably impact their hearts. When you are serving someone at church, say a mother who has just given birth – let them help you prepare a meal for her, and invite them to accompany you when you deliver it. There are many other ways they can see and experience you loving your neighbor. Some ideas are volunteering at a shelter, or at a local orphanage. If it’s not something local, maybe they can help you prepare a care package for someone in need that lives too far for a visit.

3) In your marriage

Ephesians 5:23” For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church”

Are your children seeing how Dad is giving himself up for mom? And loving her as Christ loved the church? Do not just teach them what the Gospel says. Live.It.Out.

Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”

Moms, are your children seeing you as an example of biblical submission, lived out? To your husband as the church is to Christ?

“Ephesians 5:22 “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”

4) Guard your words

We are flesh and temptation will always exist. Be cautious with your choice of words. Are they building up or meant to bring down? This goes not just for when you are speaking to your children but also to your spouse. Train yourself to speak in an encouraging manner.

Proverbs 10:32 “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse”

Children watch our every move and hear our every word (sometimes more when it’s not directed at them).

5) Forgiveness

Ask for forgiveness. Always, and as much as you possibly can. Forgiveness is one of the most relationship binding actions there is.

Proverbs 19:11 “it is his glory to overlook an offense”

It is a man’s glory to overlook a transgression. Not forgiving produces bitterness. Not asking for forgiveness is a result of either pride or shame; neither of which should be allowed to house themselves in our hearts. They only lead to resentful hearts and anger.

These five points will help you teach your children, through your actions, what it is to live out life in a Christ-like manner. We would like to encourage you to pray over them as often as you can with each other, so that you may lovingly keep each other accountable.