Scripture
Grace + Truth at Home
Jesus is full of grace and full of truth (John 1). Christ-centered homes move toward both—refusing the ditches of crushing (truth without grace) and coddling (grace without truth).
Identity, Priority, Practices
1) Identity: Received, Not Achieved
Our worth isn’t earned by performance; it’s received as beloved children of God in Christ (Eph. 5:1–2). Parents who try to get identity from their kids end up crushing them.
2) Priority: Jesus First (for Real)
If Jesus is truly #1, it will reshape calendars and budgets—what gets a yes, and what gets a no. Beware raising an outwardly polished “Ernie” (rule-keeping to earn God) instead of a joyful “Bob” (trusting Jesus by grace).
3) Practices: Show Up, Look Up, Raise Up
- Show Up: Kids spell love T-I-M-E. Be present as much as possible.
- Look Up: Not just from your phone—look to your Father. Let your kids experience love simply because they exist (a picture of the Father’s love). Try the “power of yes”: when you can, say yes to play or conversation now.
- Raise Up: Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
- Rejoice: Make Scripture, prayer, church, lifegroups, and serving normal and glad.
- Repent: Model confession. When you blow it, own it: “I’m sorry—please forgive me.”
Walk in the Light
Ephesians 5 warns that persistent, unrepentant sexual immorality or greed has no inheritance in God’s kingdom. We don’t shame—we shepherd—calling our kids (and ourselves) into the light with both grace and truth.
Where the Power Comes From
You can’t do this alone. The Holy Spirit empowers gospel parenting—truth in love, steady repentance, and enduring joy. With His help, you can really help your child follow Jesus for a lifetime.