18 Bible Verses to Teach Your Child

Children are gifts from God - the Christian faith emphasizes this! Throughout the Bible, we are reminded of God’s love and care for the little ones. Because they are so precious and vulnerable, we must instruct them to follow the righteous paths of God.

To assist in this privileged and challenging task, we have gathered 18 Bible verses for children, focused on practical teachings about love, obedience, and faith. Encourage your children to walk in the Way of Christ and to grow in their spiritual development.

So They Walk In Love

1. Loving God - 1 John 5:3

When we think about teaching children, obedience might be the first thing that comes to mind. While that’s not wrong, if we start with the most important principle - loving God - obedience will naturally follow. Love is more than just feelings and words; it is expressed through actions and commitment. Loving God means obeying Him (this applies to adults as well).

2. Loving Parents - Ephesians 6:2-3

Children need to learn to love and honor their parents. Practicing this principle is an important step in learning to love the Heavenly Father and honor His authority. Parents are not just anyone in the lives of children; they are chosen for an important mission in raising and teaching their children, much like the Eternal Father with His children.

3. How to Love - Luke 10:27

Loving God and loving others were considered by Jesus to be the most important commandments. They summarize all of God's divine laws and biblical teachings. Teach your child to love (God above all and others in a special way), have empathy, put themselves in others' shoes, respect, share what they have, and care for the most vulnerable.

To Teach About Prayer and Gratitude

4. Talking to God - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Praying is talking to God. Children will learn this lesson more easily if they see adults practicing it. Create devotional moments for prayer, praise, and Bible reading regularly. Pray together daily, before bed, upon waking, during meals, and in times of crisis and joy (such as birthdays, special days, etc.).

5. Being Thankful - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude is a precious value. By learning to recognize the blessings around us, we will be much happier in life. From the love we receive from God to the simplest things like the air we breathe, we have countless reasons to be thankful. Teach children to value what they have. Start a list of things for which they can be grateful (this is also very useful for adults).

6. Joy in God - Philippians 4:4

Joy is not just a feeling; it is the condition of a heart that is filled with Jesus. It is contentment based on God's grace and love. It’s important to explain to children that they don’t need to have everything they want to be happy. We already have what’s most important: the Lord! If we first rejoice in Him, He will certainly give us many reasons for joy.

7. Praising the Lord - Psalm 147:1

God is worthy of praise! He deserves far greater acclaim and celebration than any sports victory. Celebrate, sing with your children, and teach them songs of praise and worship. Encourage them to bless God through music, whether singing in the shower, playing instruments, joining a choir, singing individually, in a group, at church, or alone.

To Teach Obedience

8. Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice - 1 Samuel 15:22

Today, obedience is a concept that is not often taught. Unfortunately, many parents avoid this word because our society places more value on independence, rebellion, and self-sufficiency. But Christians maintain a different standard: we have a God who guides us because He knows what is best for us. Similarly, children need to learn the importance of obedience to the Lord.

9. Obeying Parents - Ephesians 6:1

It is not easy to set limits, say "no," or maintain a healthy environment of respect and discipline at home. But it is the parents (or guardians) who need to teach these values to their children. Only then will the little ones learn, by association, to obey God, the laws, and other established authorities that we must respect. Seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord to teach this valuable principle to your children.

10. Rules Given by God - Psalm 119:4

The Bible is God's manual for humanity, for all ages. It is our rule of faith and practice in all situations. Just as a game without rules and a referee is meaningless, life without God's guidance becomes senseless and dull. Teach your children to seek guidance in our manual of life - the Holy Book - by reading, listening, studying, and practicing.

To Teach That Behavior Matters

11. Be Authentic and Kind - Matthew 7:12

This is a golden rule we need to remember always: treat others as we would like to be treated. Demanding from others what we do not do ourselves is hypocrisy and pretense. Teach your children this good summary of love and care: act in the way we expect others to act towards us.

12. Without Complaints or Arguments - Philippians 2:14-15

Children of God should not be complainers or grumblers. Jesus taught that those who are peacemakers are blessed (Matthew 5:9). Teach your children to value peace, maintain a positive attitude while doing their tasks, and avoid arguments.

Teach them to manage conflicts and outbursts of anger to be like “stars shining in the universe.” Help them with practical strategies - talking to God (asking for calm!), taking deep breaths, counting to ten, staying silent, or lowering their voice.

13. Watch Your Words! - Proverbs 15:1

Being pleasant with words involves good sense and emotional balance. It’s not an easy lesson to teach, as many adults model the opposite in practice. Remember: a broad and appropriate vocabulary is important, but children also need to learn to speak with kindness. Correct rudeness, yelling, and swearing from an early age. Good examples at home are also essential.

14. Good Fruits Come from Good Attitudes - Matthew 7:17

Proverbs 20:11 says, "Even a child is known by their actions." In a way, we all reveal who we are through our behavior. Teach your children to understand that bad fruits result from bad decisions. These, in turn, come from misguided desires that need to be transformed with God’s help.

For Their First Steps in Faith

15. Trust - Psalm 37:5

Committing your way to the Lord means handing over your life, a problem, a dream, or a need to Him. When we give these things to God, we must believe that He will handle them in the best way possible. This act of surrender involves faith! It is the assurance that God knows what He is doing. Teach your children to trust in God, allowing Him to manage everything from the smallest details to the biggest challenges.

16. Dependence - Psalm 121:5

God is our constant protector. Remind your children to trust in God’s protective presence at all times, especially during times of danger and distress. If Jesus is in our boat, we can feel secure, even in the midst of storms and high waves. We are dependent on Him for everything.

17. Courage with God - Joshua 1:9

This is a valuable lesson: with God, we can be courageous! Facing fears and dangers isn’t a display of human bravery - like superheroes - but rather a step of faith learned from a young age. We should not be disheartened by adversity because God is with us and helps us keep moving forward.

18. Blessed to Be a Blessing - Numbers 6:24-26

Bless your children with these or other words so that they may be a blessing in this world. Unfortunately, many parents curse and distress their children with insults, mistreatment, and neglect. Wish them well, declare biblical blessings, and pray for their well-being and spiritual growth.

Receiving blessings from parents and loved ones is far more precious than many material gifts and awards. The blessings and prayers of parents have a strong impact on their children’s lives. Always pray for them.

Discover More:

• Teaching Your Child the Right Path (with explanations)
• 12 Bible Verses That Show How Special You Are to God
• Peaceful Prayers To Say Before Bed