If you want to give your children a love for the Bible and help them read it, keep reading.
“I don’t want the Bible. I want the truck book.”
It was happening. My 2-year-old was developing opinions – which is great – until my son refused to let me read his Bible storybook that evening. Since he was born, I made sure to read to him daily from the Jesus Bible Storybook.
At that moment, I wasn’t sure what to do – I wanted him to read the Bible daily but didn’t want to fight over this. So, we read the truck book.
Help Children Love the Bible
Reading the Bible to our children daily is a practical way to help them develop a love and appreciation for God’s Word. However, it’s not the only way!
Here are some practical ideas to help children come to love the Bible.
Read It Yourself
What is more exciting to a child than something their parents love and value?
My daughter (a toddler) recently started to wear my purse around the house and loves pulling everything out (credit cards, lip gloss, keys). So, I got her a bag just her size and put toy keys and a wallet in there. She loves playing with her purse, which is “just like mommy.”
Our children watch us closely, and the things that matter to us matter to them!
I intentionally read the Bible each morning in front of my children. At first, I struggled with mom guilt over ignoring them at the start of each day. I also deal with constant interruptions that sometimes prevent me from having a more meaningful Bible time. However, these sacrifices are worth it as my children recognize how important the Bible is.
As parents, modelling a love for the Bible is very influential in helping children value God’s Word. I remember my mother sitting in her chair and reading the Bible each morning. What she modelled was more powerful than her telling me why it was necessary.
If you want to help your children read the Bible, read it yourself!
If you want to help your children read the Bible, read it yourself.
Find Teachable Moments
I look for opportunities to talk about Jesus and His Word throughout our day. Sometimes they’re set up, but usually, they happen naturally.
Here are some ideas:
- Planting a garden – talk about (or read) the parable of the sower and the seed.
- Visiting a hospital or sick friend – talk about how Jesus would see and heal the sick.
- Star gazing – talk about creation and how God just SPOKE to create.
- Playing with trucks in the sandpit – act out the story of the wise and foolish man.
- Throwing rocks in the water – talk about how David used a slingshot and smooth stones to beat Goliath.
- Seeing the news about injustice – talk about how much God cares about justice.
Teachable moments are usually spontaneous, and we need to look for them. So, here’s a hint – the more you know your Bible, the easier this is!
Also, I credit the Holy Spirit for giving me creativity when there’s a teachable moment (and often the words to say!). Pray for teachable moments (and for the wisdom to know how to handle them!). Google is also helpful if you need a reminder of a Bible passage.
Watch this video I did on teachable moments from our School of KidsMin
Pray the Scriptures
In our bedtime prayers over the years, I’ve added different Bible verses into the flow. For example:
- Dear God, please help my boy to grow in wisdom and stature and favour with God and man (Luke 2:52)
- Dear God, thank you that my girl is your masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus to do the good things that God planned for her long in advance. (Ephesians 2:10).
As a result, we’ve memorized many Bible verses together. There is tremendous value in memorizing Scripture and helping our children see how God’s Word combines with everyday life.
To pray the Scriptures, pick a Bible verse relevant to your child’s situation (Are they scared? Worried? Do they need a reminder of how much Jesus values them?) and then write it on a piece of paper and leave it beside their bed. Then, each night before they go to sleep, help them pray through it out loud.
There is tremendous value in memorizing Scripture and helping our children see how God’s Word combines with everyday life.
Make it a part of your life.
Reading Bible stories from a book is not the only way for your children to hear the Word! I often hear parents tell me that they want to read the Bible as a family each day, but they struggle to find the time. So, while we could talk about priorities (!!), I remind them that there are many other ways to help our children engage with God’s Word.
Discipling children should not be a daily programmed part of your life; it should weave into every aspect of your day. Think about the instructions given with the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Impress them on your children at home, when walking, when resting …. basically all the time!
We can give our children a passion for the Word by demonstrating a love for it and finding opportunities to show them how the Bible connects to our everyday lives.
There are many other ways to give children a love for the Bible. I’d love to hear how you did/do it! Leave a comment below (please, please do!!).
We can give our children a passion for the Word by demonstrating a love for it and finding opportunities to show them how the Bible connects to our everyday lives.
We’ve just launched Family Quest – a fun deck of cards that helps your family read, reflect and respond to the Bible. Read the daily Bible verse, roll the die and complete the activity to help your family discover meaningful Bible time. Check it out
More Reading: How to Help Children get into the Word, Family Easter Bible Readings (tips on Bible reading with your family), More is Caught than Taught
