A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother. PROVERBS 10:1 NLT

Don’t do it alone

Suppose a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey his father or mother, even though they discipline him. In such a case, the father and mother must take the son to the elders as they hold court at the town gate. DEUTERONOMY 21:18 -19 NLT

Bring them to Jesus

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. *MARK 10:13 -16 NLT *

Teach them the Bible

And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. DEUTERONOMY 6:6-7 NLT
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. PSALM 145:4 NLT

Lead them

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” EPHESIANS 6:1 NLT
My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. PROVERBS 1:15 NLT
My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. PROVERBS 4:10 NLT

Correct them

For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. PSALM 51:5 NLT
Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. PROVERBS 19:18 NLT
Many parents can’t discipline because they are not disciplined

Correct in love

Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. PROVERBS 13:24 NLT

Correct in unity

My child,listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. PROVERBS 1:8 NLT
A house divided against itself falls. LUKE 11:17 NLT

Encourage them

Children are a gift from the LORD. PSALM 127:3 NLT
And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? HEBREWS 12:5 NLT
Encouraging words:
• I love you
• I am proud of you
• I believe in you
• I forgive you

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. Many have heard the phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Who was a part of the village that helped raise you?
2. Was there a time where (as a child) you did not agree with a discipline but now are thankful for it? Share the story.
3. How can we lovingly encourage parents to use appropriate discipline?
4. Read Mark 10:13-16. What are some of the things you can do to help lead children to Jesus?
5. What were some of the words you heard from your parents growing up?
6. Read Hebrews 12:5. What are some of the encouraging words that you can share with the children in your life (I love you, I am proud of you, I believe in you, I forgive you, etc)?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can be alone and free from distraction. Take a few moments to set aside your adult cares and adult responsibilities. Read through Mark 10:13-16, slowly. Think back to what it felt like to be a child. What do you remember feeling: hope, fear, confusion, frustration? What would it have felt like to have been blessed by Jesus, to have him take the time to be present to you as he was present to those children then? Reflect on this with God and spend a few moments sharing with him what you are experiencing. As you move through your week, see if you can find an opportunity to be present to and bless your children or other children in your life or in your community.