When I was growing up, my parents weren’t the type to attend Bible studies or emphasize Sunday school. While they valued prayer and church meetings, we didn’t have structured Bible-reading habits at home. As a result, I didn’t grow up memorizing Scripture. It wasn’t until adulthood that I truly began to read and understand the Bible. Looking back, I realize how much this absence impacted my journey. If I had been taught to memorize Bible verses as a child, I believe I would have avoided many of the lies I believed and the confusion I faced in my search for meaning and truth.
Building a Strong Foundation
Because of my own experience, I’ve made it a priority to teach my children Scripture from a young age. One verse that has become a cornerstone in our family is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
I taught my children not only to memorize this verse, but also to understand its context. Now, whenever they face pain, disappointment, or challenges—whether it’s taking medicine they dislike, dealing with a scraped knee, or encountering a tough situation—they remind themselves of this truth without my prompting. They’ve learned to seek strength in God when they feel overwhelmed, and that fills my heart with so much joy and hope for their future.
Planting Seeds That Bear Fruit
The beauty of God’s Word is that it never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). When we plant seeds of Scripture in our children’s hearts, the Holy Spirit brings those truths to their minds exactly when they need them. It may not always be immediate, but God’s timing is perfect.
I’ve seen firsthand how my children apply Scripture to their own lives, and I know this foundation will serve them well into adulthood. The world will present countless challenges and lies, but God’s Word equips them with the truth, strength, and discernment to navigate life with faith and courage.
Our Responsibility as Parents
It’s tempting to think that the responsibility for teaching children about God lies solely with the church. But as parents, we are the primary teachers of our children. The church and its ministries are a vital support system, but it is our job to pour God’s truth into their minds and hearts.
The Bible is clear about this responsibility:
- Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reminds us to diligently teach God’s commands to our children in every moment of daily life.
- Proverbs 22:6 encourages us to train up a child in the way they should go, so when they are older, they will not depart from it.
Passing on God’s love and truth to the next generation is one of the greatest privileges and responsibilities we have as parents.
Encouragement for Parents
If you haven’t started teaching your children to memorize Scripture yet, it’s never too late to begin. Choose a verse that is meaningful to your family and repeat it together during daily routines—at mealtimes, bedtime, or even on car rides. Discuss its meaning and encourage your children to apply it in their lives.
At home, I see how much of a difference this makes during difficult moments. Whenever one of my children faces a challenge—like taking bitter medicine or the anxiety of pulling out a loose tooth—they say with conviction: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!" (Philippians 4:13). For us adults, these challenges may seem small, but for them, they are big. And by turning to God's Word, they learn from an early age that they are not alone and that they can rely on the Lord’s strength.
I remember a day when Sarah was nervous because she needed to pull out a tooth. She repeated Philippians 4:13 with eyes full of anticipation, strengthening herself with God’s Word. And after the tooth finally came out, Isaac was so proud of his sister, celebrating this little victory with her. Moments like these show us the power of Scripture in a child's life—and remind us to keep planting the truth of God in their hearts.
Every verse you teach is a seed planted in fertile soil. Trust God to water it and make it grow in His time. Even if you feel unprepared or unsure, know that the Holy Spirit will guide you as you lead your children in His truth.
Let’s not grow weary in this work. By instilling God's Word in their hearts, we are equipping our children with the tools they need to face life's challenges with faith and confidence. More importantly, we are helping them build a deep and personal relationship with their Creator—a relationship that will sustain them for a lifetime.
Teaching our little ones God’s truth doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be a joyful and enriching part of everyday life! Little Hearts, Big Virtues ABC is designed to help you instill biblical virtues in your toddler’s heart through simple, engaging Scripture memory.
With a carefully chosen Bible verse for every letter of the alphabet, this tool makes it easy to teach foundational truths in a way your child will understand and remember. Whether during morning snuggles, mealtimes, or bedtime routines, these verses will become part of their hearts, guiding them through life’s joys and challenges.
Don’t wait—start planting seeds of truth today! Get your copy of Little Hearts, Big Virtues ABC and begin building a strong foundation of faith for your child.
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