7 Principles for Raising Kids Who Love Jesus Wholeheartedly

“How do I raise children who love Jesus wholeheartedly?”

As I begin writing this series, I want to state that I am exactly where you are. I am asking the same question as you are.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a blueprint for making this happen?

I love Jesus (who He is, what He is about, and the life that I am invited to live) and I want my kids to grow up to love Him too. I love my kids and I want them to have the best. Somewhere in your journey with Jesus, you have decided that to love and follow Jesus is the ultimate best. The goal of giving our children a wholehearted love for Jesus takes time and intention, and often repentance on our own part.

How did the 7 Principles Come About?

The 7 principles are derived mostly from my reflections about my own faith formation as a child. My parents greatly influenced and impacted my beginning journeys of faith as I watched their deep love for, and profound dependence on, Jesus. Because my parents truly lived like God was real, I too experienced Him to be real.

Although I am far from being an “expert” (I don’t know if anyone can be an expert in parenting), I have found that sometimes people who are just a few steps ahead of me in this journey can provide the insight and help I need to take the next step. Through relevant stories, reflections, and Bible passages, I will share with you some of the principles I have learned thus far, and I hope that they can be a source of encouragement for you.

I invite you to join me as we explore the 7 Principles for Raising Kids Who Love Jesus Wholeheartedly. Each principle is a separate post as  I dive deeper into the importance of each principle.

I am praying that the Holy Spirit speaks to you! As you read the principles, I encourage you to read them not just as “formulas,” but to use them to take you into a deeper place of reflective listening, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak. He is the best teacher for us in this amazing, stretching, and life-transforming season of parenthood.

Here we go!

1. It begins with us. We will get what we are.
2. We need real encounters with Jesus.
3. Be doers of the Word, not hearers only.
4. Teach and model for your kids to love His church.
5. Tell and retell your God stories.
6. Quickly Forgive.
7. Daily Pray for your kids.

I would love to hear from you about how you have been training and raising your children to love Jesus. If you would like to be included to receive our monthly newsletter, where I share more personally about the things that I am musing over with Jesus.