What to Tell Kids When Beliefs Differ
What do you do when your kids’ friends don’t believe in Jesus?
Not everyone has the same beliefs. Our kids will always have people in their lives who don’t have a Christian worldview. It can be hard for kids and parents when a child develops friendships and spends time with families who have a different faith base or don’t believe in God. Rather than sequestering kids, use these situations as teachable moments. We as parents and grandparents can use these relationships to teach respect, values, and faith. The relationships can be a tremendous gift.
• Be respectful.
Everyone has differing thoughts. Respect those who have beliefs contrary to your own. Be kind and respectful in words and actions.
• Model your family’s faith when the friend spends time at your home.
Do what you always do: pray before meals, read the Bible, attend church, and serve others. Have a symbol of faith in every room of your house to point to Jesus.
• Pray with and for your child to persevere in his faith.
Give your child solid reasons for following Christ rather than choosing another faith or atheism. Every other religion requires doing something. Christianity is done through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for all. Show your child the differences and why you chose Christianity.
Our kids will have friends of all shapes, sizes, and beliefs. Rejoice in the opportunity to learn about others while diving deep as a family into what you believe. Children need to know the reasons why we believe as we do. Give kids the tools to defend their faith so they can stand on their own, fixing their hearts and minds on Jesus.
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds;
tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Teach them to your children,
talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road,
when you lie down and when you get up.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates…
Deuteronomy 11:18-20
© 2018 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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