God Likes You Too

September 11, 2021

Every generation faces something that makes being a kid challenging. The current generation confronts challenges that take amazing strength to take on. Social media flexes its mighty muscles daily, urging students to follow this or that trend and giving feedback at the touch of a finger for whatever they are doing. Loud voices constantly tell them who they should be, what they should be doing, and how they should look doing it.

Kids might find it is easy to think that God’s voice is similar to all those other voices:

“I know God loves me, but does he only like me when I do what he wants me to?”

“God may have been the one who made me, but does he know what is happening to me right now?”

“Maybe God knows the number of hairs on my head, but does he understand the pressure on me to make it look good in the morning?”

“Does God even like me?”

God chose you to be one of the most consistent voices in your kid’s life—both to answer those questions and to show them how much God loves them. Point out gifts and talents God has given them, and celebrate them.

Here are some ways you might reflect on the joy God has in your children and remind them that God likes them:

God Sightings

Around the dinner table tonight ask, “Where did you see God today?” or “What is something good that happened in your day?” Help them see how God is with them throughout their day, even on those hard-to-get-through days. If they need a little primer to get them started, share what you saw God do that day.

Be Quick to Praise

Point out things about your kids that bring you joy. Include things beyond what they do; talk about who they are and what makes them unique. Make it something personal, be specific, and ask questions that show your interest. Instead of “That’s a nice picture,” you might say, “You are so creative. I really like the way you used reds and blues.” Instead of, “That’s a good grade,” you could say, “You really understand geography! What country do you want to visit someday?” So many voices in their life point out what they should change about themselves; be a voice which reflects God’s view of them.

Enjoy God

A parent’s relationship with God shapes their child’s understanding of God. That’s a privilege and a joy. Read your Bible and pray in a place where your kids can “catch” you doing it. Talk about what God has been showing you about yourself. Look for moments when you can share with your kids why you believe in God and how it affects your daily life. Sing loudly. Pray often. Show your kids that God is worth knowing and enjoying. Encourage them to spend time with God; as they do, they will begin to see the joy God takes in them.

We pray that these ideas will help your child understand how much God loves them. And we pray that you find joy in how much God likes you too!

Want to do a deep dive? Check out Family Fire's article Wonderfully Made: Your Child and You