Teach Your Kids About Sin

As a father, it’s important to instill values and morals in your children from a young age. Your kids need to recognize what is right and what is wrong, and the sooner you teach them the easier it will be to parent them once they get older (at least that’s the plan, right?). One of the most important lessons you can teach your kids is about the concept of sin.

Sin is a term used to describe actions that are considered immoral or unethical in the eyes of God, or in a literal sense of the word – to miss the mark. Teaching your kids about sin can help them grow up to be responsible and respectful adults. But Papa, how do I teach my kids about sin? Here’s what Papa says: you can easily get super-scriptural when teaching your kids about sin, but it’s easier than you think, and you can do it without a month-long Hebrew language analysis.

Start With the Basics

Before diving into the details, it’s important to make sure your child understands the basics of sin. Explain that sin is something that goes against God’s rules, and that it can harm ourselves and others. Use age-appropriate language and examples to help them understand.

I taught my kids about the basics of sin when we were outside learning to shoot bows and arrows. I walked them to the target and explained that hitting the bullseye in the center is what it’s like to not sin. It’s tough, and not an easy task, but so rewarding when you do hit the center. Any arrow that lands outside of the bullseye – whether it be one ring away, or even over the house in the wrong direction – any miss of that mark is a sin and not God’s best.

Use Stories and Examples

Kids learn best through stories and examples, so use these tools to help them understand the concept of sin. Share stories from the Bible or other religious texts that illustrate the consequences of sin, and relate these stories to real-life situations that your child may encounter.

I like to use the story of Moses and the water from the rock in Numbers 20. God tells Moses to speak to the rock and that water would flow forth. However, Moses missed the mark and struck the rock twice. Water still flowed, but Moses missed out on God’s best. This seemingly minor sin resulted in Moses not being allowed to enter the Holy Land.

Teach Them About Forgiveness

Children need to understand that everyone makes mistakes and that forgiveness is always possible. Teach your child about the power of repentance and how seeking forgiveness can help us grow and learn from our mistakes.

I have struggled with this one a lot. Forgiveness is tough for us adults. But remember, in Biblical terms, forgiveness is not the same as fellowship. In Matthew 18:21-22 Jesus responds to a question of how many times you should forgive your brother’s sin against you. Jesus responds that you should forgive him seventy plus seven times.

How many times would you like for God to forgive your sin? If we do not forgive, do we then deserve forgiveness? Forgiveness is an entire class unto itself – there’s a lot of strong meat here that we’ll save for another time.

Lead by Example

As a father, you are your child’s first role model. Make sure you are practicing what you preach by living a life that aligns with the values you are teaching your child. Be open and honest about your own struggles with sin, and show your child how you are working to overcome them.

My oldest has told me that I am his superhero. I have done so many things incorrectly in my life, and have screwed up so much, yet he has looked past all of that and has followed after the things I did right. He sees how I treat my wife (his mother), he sees how I treat the wait staff at the restaurant, he sees my ethics at work, and what I do on the highway when people cut me off. Leading by example also takes into account the entertainment you view and listen to. What’s in that movie you watch late at night? What are those lyrics you’re bobbing your head to?

Keep the Conversation Going

Teaching your child about sin is not a one-time event. It’s important to keep the conversation going and revisit the topic as your kid grows and encounters new situations. Encourage your kid to come to you with questions and concerns, and be there to support them as they navigate the complexities of life.

I am always pointing out things that are not God’s best to my kids. It’s gotten to the point where they can easily spot things that are wrong or immoral. My one kid will even point things out and say “…demonic…” knowing full well the meaning of what they are saying and seeing.

Teaching your kid about sin is an important responsibility as a dad. By starting with the basics, using stories and examples, teaching about forgiveness, leading by example, and keeping the conversation going, you can help your child grow up to be a responsible and ethical individual. What methods have you used to teach your kids about sin?