May 2026
What theology forms your parenting?
Perhaps you haven’t considered that question before this very moment. It is extremely common for parents - yes, even Christian parents - to neglect the necessary connection between our theology and our practice when it comes to parenting. We may go to church on Sunday every week to hear the Pastor preach on the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ - His loving life, death, and resurrection for us! We may nod along as we realize the depth of God’s grace and our own inability. This is the heart of the Gospel. We are unable to keep God’s Law, and yet He has shown us grace. Amazing.
So, the question is: Is that Gospel informing the way I raise my kids? Or is it some disconnected ideology that I know is true but has no real influence on my interactions with them? Think about it. When your kids are up all night after you put them to bed… when they refuse to do their chores or homework when you ask… when they lie about what they were doing at a friend's house… what is your response? My educated guess is anger and frustration. But ask yourself this question: How would the Gospel grace of God have me respond in this circumstance?
Oh, when we truly internalize the Gospel, it becomes something that we don’t just nod along with our heads to, but something our hearts are formed by. Perhaps when your kids are frustrating you - this is the perfect opportunity to exemplify the Gospel for them. Because guess what - you need grace just like them. You too have procrastinated, disobeyed, and lied. So, in those moments, let the Gospel inform the way you approach your kids. Instead of simply being a judge, jury, and executioner of the Law… show grace.
There is a misconception that showing grace means letting your kids get away with things. By no means! Showing grace is just a more effective means at creating lasting change within the hearts of our kids. Think about how God “parents” all of us. He shows us grace - but not at the expense of obedience. His grace is meant to shape us into more obedient and loving children. So, let’s model that same kind of grace to our kids as we disciple them into Jesus-followers.
Paul Tripp says, “If there is one place in our lives where we tend to ask the Law to do what only grace can accomplish, it’s in our parenting. And so often, Christian parents have reduced parenting down to a neat set of rules with an accompanying set of enforcements.”
That quote is from the sermon I linked below as the “resource of the month” in which Tripp talks all about parenting as Gospel ministry. I would highly urge you to take an hour at some point and listen to it - it will be convicting and encouraging. My encouragement for you all this month is to internalize the Gospel for yourself and let that grace lead you in your parenting to your children.
Blessings,
Julian Marcel | Pastor of Junior High | Hessel Church | julian@hessel.org
