Parenting Your Child's Heart -- Not Just Their HeadExemplo

Giving Your Heart

With our goal of reaching our child’s heart now so God can have our child’s heart forever, we learned yesterday two ways to get our kids to give us their hearts. Today, let’s look at two ways to give our hearts to our kids.

You can give your heart to your child through YOUR EXAMPLE.

Solomon said, “Son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.”

He wanted his life to be a guide for his children to follow and for them to learn from both his good example and his bad. That’s why before and after Proverbs 23:26, he warns about the riotous, drunkards, and strange women.

Solomon was likely speaking out of personal experience and regret. He’d made some foolish mistakes, but he was real with his son about those things.

As parents, we too have regrets we wish we could go back and change or do differently. God has given us a second chance with our kids.

I love how Paul David Trip, in his book Parenting, puts it: “In every moment as you are parenting your children, the heavenly Father is parenting you.”

Another way you can give your heart to your child is through GOD’S GRACE.

After becoming king, Solomon said to God in 1 Kings 3:6, “Thou hast shown great mercy… and great kindness.”

Solomon experienced God’s mercy and grace in his life. You and I have to. This means that we should be able to extend this same mercy and grace to our children.

I remember a time when one of our foster kids was being very disobedient and disrespectful. My wife demonstrated the love of the Heavenly Father so gracefully. Rather than getting angry or frustrated, she called them to her side, drew this child close, hugged them, and showed them unconditional love.

It was a beautiful picture of what God does for us, even at our worst. He loves us—unconditionally. (Romans 5:8)

Jesus treats us not how we deserve but far better than we deserve. He is calling us to do the same for those we love.

Prayer: God, I need your help to be not just a good but a godly parent to my children. Please help me as I give my heart to my kids through my example and your grace at work in me.

If you enjoyed this reading plan, you’ll love my guide on how to implement ten simple shifts from Good to Godly parenting in your family. Click here to get it!—The Top 10 Differences Between Good and Godly Parenting: 10 small shifts that can make a big difference in your home.