Parents
What are some reasons why Jehovah created marriage?
How should parents view their children?
See also “Children; Young People”
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ge 33:4, 5—Jacob sees his children as blessings from Jehovah
Ex 1:15, 16, 22; 2:1-4; 6:20—Amram and Jochebed become parents to Moses, and they risk their lives to protect him
Parents have what duty regarding their children?
What are the benefits of training children in Jehovah’s ways?
See also 2Ti 3:14, 15
Relevant Bible account(s):
1Sa 2:18-21, 26; 3:19—Samuel’s parents offer their son to serve at the tabernacle, but they visit the boy regularly and help care for his needs; he grows up to be an outstanding spiritual man
Lu 2:51, 52—Jesus remains subject to his parents even though they are imperfect
Where can parents find guidance for rearing their children?
Even if a child grows up in a family that loves God, why might he still turn away from serving Jehovah?
When should parents start to teach their children God’s ways?
Relevant Bible account(s):
De 29:10-12, 29; 31:12; Ezr 10:1—Children are included in religious gatherings to learn about Jehovah’s ways
Lu 2:41-52—Joseph and Mary customarily bring their children, including Jesus, to the festival of the Passover at the temple in Jerusalem
What examples should parents follow when it comes to protecting their children from those who might harm them?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ex 19:4; De 32:11, 12—Jehovah compares himself to an eagle that carries, protects, and cares for its young
Isa 49:15—Jehovah promises to care for and protect his servants in a way that exceeds even the compassion that a nursing mother shows for her baby
Mt 2:1-16—Satan tries to destroy the baby Jesus by leading pagan astrologers to wicked King Herod, but Jehovah protects His son by directing Joseph to move his family to Egypt
Mt 23:37—Jesus compares his desire to help his people to the way a mother hen gathers and protects her chicks under her wings
Why should parents teach their children about sexual matters?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Le 15:2, 3, 16, 18, 19; De 31:10-13—The Mosaic Law speaks frankly of sexual matters, and Jehovah directs that children be present when it is read aloud
Ps 139:13-16—The psalmist David praises Jehovah for the wonderful design of the human body, including its reproductive system
Pr 2:10-15—Knowledge and wisdom from Jehovah can protect us from those who are perverse and devious
Why should discipline be administered in a loving way?
Pr 13:24; 29:17; Jer 30:11; Eph 6:4
See also Ps 25:8; 145:9; Col 3:21
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ps 32:1-5—Though King David feels the weight of Jehovah’s discipline, he is relieved to learn that Jehovah forgives those who are truly repentant of their sins
Jon 4:1-11—The prophet Jonah speaks angrily and disrespectfully to Jehovah; yet, Jehovah patiently teaches him about mercy