Christian parents have a huge obligation to bring their kids up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The words we speak have immense power to build them up or break them down. We build up when we use words filled with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. This serves to shape our children’s self-confidence, resilience, relationships, and belief system.

One way to build them up is to share positive
scriptural affirmations:

1. “See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God.” (1 John 3:1)

2. “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

3. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.” (1 John 4:7)

4. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

5. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Speaking these truths has many benefits:

1. Grace-filled words nurture a child’s emerging self-identity.

2. Affirming language bolsters self-confidence while countering negative self-talk.

3. Verbal encouragement ignites courage to attempt new things and overcome obstacles.

4. Voicing unconditional love and approval fosters secure emotional bonds between parent and child.

5. Biblical truths, spoken with care and consistency, shape a God-centered worldview.

Friends, do your words build up or break down? “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).