Topical Bible: Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Bless Them

◄ Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Bless Them ►

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In the biblical context, the role of parents extends beyond mere provision and protection; it encompasses the spiritual and moral nurturing of their children. One of the paramount duties of parents is to bless their children, a concept deeply rooted in Scripture and reflective of God's covenantal relationship with His people.

Biblical Foundation of Blessing

The act of blessing is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the transmission of divine favor and guidance. In Genesis 27, we see Isaac blessing Jacob, a pivotal moment that underscores the significance of parental blessing in the biblical narrative. Although the circumstances surrounding this blessing were complex, the event highlights the profound impact of a parent's words and intentions upon their children.

Spiritual and Moral Instruction

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage emphasizes the responsibility of parents to impart God's commandments and principles to their children, ensuring that they grow up with a strong spiritual foundation.

Prayer and Intercession

Parents are called to intercede for their children through prayer, seeking God's guidance and protection over their lives. Job exemplifies this in Job 1:5 , where he regularly offers burnt offerings for his children, saying, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This demonstrates a parent's role in spiritually covering their children, acknowledging their dependence on God's grace and mercy.

Encouragement and Affirmation

The power of words is evident in Proverbs 18:21 : "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Parents are encouraged to speak life into their children, affirming their identity in Christ and encouraging them in their God-given gifts and talents. This positive reinforcement helps children develop a sense of worth and purpose aligned with God's will.

Modeling Godly Character

Parents are also tasked with modeling godly character, as children often learn by example. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the importance of nurturing children in a manner that reflects God's love and righteousness, avoiding harshness and fostering an environment of grace and understanding.

Provision and Protection

While spiritual and moral guidance is paramount, parents are also responsible for the physical well-being of their children. 1 Timothy 5:8 states, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This underscores the necessity of meeting the material needs of children as part of the holistic blessing parents are to bestow.

In summary, the duty of parents to bless their children is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual instruction, prayer, encouragement, exemplary living, and provision. Through these actions, parents fulfill their God-given role, nurturing their children to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 48:15
And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long to this day,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Obedience to Parents
... Either she is ignorant of her own or her child's duty, or she has not ... I am pained
continually at seeing religious parents suffer their children to run ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 96 on obedience to.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... pious parents are faithful to their duty to their ... themselves and their children;
and their faithful fulfillment ... Christian parents: the promises of God shine ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

Duty and Superstition
... and the working of God's Spirit from their parents; but I ... Believe me, my friends,
that your children's angels do ... may God help them all to do their Duty in that ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon vii duty and superstition.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Parents, comfort your minds with these examples. ... Set it before their minds as a high,
holy, and solemn duty, and believe me, the day will very likely come ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Family Prayer.
... The parents may engage in closet prayer, but their children are ... as if they were ashamed
of their piety ... of private prayer, he cannot omit the duty and privilege ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xv family prayer.htm

Letter vi. Associates and Friends.
... and disrespectful expressions and conduct toward parents and teachers ... and wishes
and preferences of their hostess and ... half so fair; No simplest duty is forgot ...
/.../letter vi associates and friends.htm

The Spirit of Prayer.
... the precious promises which God has made to faithful parents. ... at the world, look
at your children, and your ... they possess; upon their ability to do their duty. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture vi the spirit of.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... with this earnest request to all Christian parents that read ... have compassion on the
souls of their poor children ... groan under the neglect of this weighty duty. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

In the Court of Babylon
... associates had been trained by their parents to habits ... thus satisfy their ambitious
longings, their days pass ... the sight of Omnipotence every duty is important. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 39 in the court.htm

The Christian Training of Children.
... to their adverse influence and opposition,"if parents had deferred ... the right nor
of its being our duty to bring ... early to Him who came for their salvation also ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/ix the christian training of.htm