By SPEAK BLESSINGS OVER YOUR CHILDREN
By Family Life Radio
The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
─ Numbers 6:24-26 AMPC
How many times have you heard a parent speak terrible words to a child, perhaps out of anger or frustration? Maybe you’ve been guilty of it yourself. Children need to know what you see in them, and even more importantly, what God sees in them.
You can be intentional with your child’s self-esteem and character by teaching them who they are in Christ and how you see them with the words you say to them and about them.
Many Jewish families embrace a custom of speaking a blessing to their children each Friday evening and during other special occasions. The words of the blessing come from our verse today. Following the blessing, some parents take a few extra minutes to praise each child with something specific to encourage them and show affection.
When children leave home, the blessing doesn’t always stop. Some parents continue the tradition by bestowing the blessing over the phone.
Today’s One Thing
Here are three things you can do this week to bless your child(ren).
- Watch for good things to say about their actions and choices and take those opportunities to tell them what you observed.
- Let them catch you speaking their praise (to a friend or family member).
- Consider saying a blessing or prayer over them every night that includes personal, positive affirmations.
