Embracing Hope: Living Out the Beatitudes with Your Kids
Bible Verse
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
As parents, we often find ourselves guiding our children through life's ups and downs, helping them navigate challenges, and instilling values that will shape their character. Reflecting on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-12 alongside your child can be a transformative experience. When Jesus spoke about being blessed, he wasn't just talking about feeling happy all the time. Instead, he pointed to deeper fulfillment and joy from knowing and following God's ways. It's about finding hope, even under challenging circumstances.
Here are a few practical ways to embrace these hope-filled blessings with our kids:
Encourage curiosity and questioning. Jesus invited his listeners to think deeper and ask questions, and we can do the same with our children. Create an environment where they feel comfortable exploring their faith, asking tough questions, and seeking understanding. Cultivate a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and discovery.
Embrace the unexpected. Just like how Jesus surprised his listeners with unconventional blessings, we can encourage children to embrace the unexpected in life. Teach them that blessings can come in various forms, even during struggle or discomfort.
Model hope amidst challenges. Children learn best by example. Show them how to maintain hope and trust in God's promises, even when facing difficulties. Share personal stories of overcoming obstacles through faith, reinforcing that hope is not dependent on external circumstances.
Seeking comfort in God's promises. Teach children to find solace in God's promises during challenging times. Encourage them to turn to Scripture, prayer, and community for strength and support.
Foster a sense of belonging. Just as Jesus spoke of belonging to the kingdom of heaven, emphasize the importance of community and belonging in your child's life. Nurture their relationships within the church and encourage them to support and uplift others, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
Cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Remind your children to cultivate gratitude, even amid challenges. Gratitude fosters a hopeful outlook and cultivates resilience in the face of adversity.
Pray together. Make prayer a regular part of your family routine. Encourage your children to express their hopes, fears, and dreams to God. Praying together strengthens your family's bond and deepens your child's relationship with God, anchoring them in hope and faith.
Remember, teaching your children about the Beatitudes isn't just about imparting knowledge—it's about helping them develop a deep and meaningful relationship with God and others. Incorporating these practical suggestions into your family's daily life can help you and your children live out the hope-filled blessings of the Beatitudes. Together, embrace Jesus' invitation to explore, question, and discover the abundant life he offers.
Want to do a deep dive? Check out Family Fire's article Attitude Adjustments from the Beatitudes
Tanya Yuen
Tanya Yuen is a pastor who serves in the denominational office of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec with the privilege of supporting pastors in children and family ministry. She also gets to spend time in Muskoka at Camp Kwasind in the summer, sharing about Jesus with kids. She is mom to 3 girls and together with her husband, Alfred. They spend as much time as possible hiking the trails around the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario.
