#162: Living By Grace: Parenting with Grace

Is It Possible to Exhibit Grace in Parenting?   (Guest: Pastor Phil Congdon) What does parenting with grace look like? Psalms 127:1 says, “unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” We need God’s grace to build a home filled with grace and love. Parenting is truly a daunting task. However, know that parenting with grace is possible because it is God’s desire for every parent. His grace is available for everyone, including parents that face modern-day challenges in raising children according to God’s heart.   Are you struggling with the pressures of being a parent? If you are, know that you are not alone. Begin by being aware of the good things God has done for you. Often, we struggle when we look more to ourselves and our performance instead of looking to Him. We need to see differently and become utterly dependent on God’s grace.    Parenting with Grace Means Utter God-Dependence   Not every home is the same and no parent is perfect, but having a persistent attitude of gratitude and an awareness of God’s grace in parenting has a significant effect on our lives. We need to constantly remind ourselves that God is the source of everything that is good in our life. An attitude of gratitude can change the course of our entire day, and eventually, our life. When it comes to raising a family, you need the strength and wisdom that only comes from God’s grace.    Self-sufficiency that is opposed to complete dependence on God can be destructive. It tends to warp our image of God’s identity. We are not indestructible, especially facing the many challenges of parenting. We need to develop an utter God-dependency instead of autonomy, gratefulness instead of entitlement, and pass that on to our children as we raise them and train them in the way they should go.    God’s Grace for Families: Build Your Home by It   Parenting with grace means we learn to build our home and family by God’s grace. You can be the parent God called you to be, and exhibit resilience in faith amid the challenging times. The assurance of our salvation in Him brings out the assurance of God’s grace for parents as well. So, be encouraged that parenting with grace is possible because grace in parenting is available for you!   Access this episode to learn more from Pastor Phil Congdon, a church planter, author, professor, and father to eight children. Learn more about how you have access to God’s grace for parents because of Jesus Christ here at Saving Grace Podcast, one of the many levels of learning at Grace Center for Spiritual Development (GCSD).   At GCSD, our vision is to develop spiritual leaders in every nation who can teach others about the love of Christ, a love that cannot be earned and cannot be lost. We also aim to provide a variety of exciting ways for you to engage with God’s Word and to be trained and equipped to be a spiritual leader in your sphere of influence.   Questions: We look forward to interacting with you and the opportunity to address your questions on the podcast. Email your questions to [email protected].   Stay Connected: Listen to other Saving Grace Podcast episodes, which we know will bless you greatly. You can also reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, and also the Grace School of Theology’s Facebook page to stay up to date with news re...