How to Foster a Love for Jesus in Children

Our goal should be for our kids to fall in love with Jesus. He is worthy of their praise. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. There is no one like Him.  

When kids fall in love with Jesus, they will begin to obey out of a heart of love for Him.

So how do you raise up a child that will fall in love with Jesus and serve Him for a lifetime?

Let's look at some key factors.

Prayer.   

The more time you spend with someone you love, the deeper you will fall in love with them.

Time spent with Jesus will help kids develop a deep, loving relationship with Him.

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs that Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.  How does this happen? It happens when we help kids see that Jesus wants them to meet with Him and spend time together. 

Help kids see that Jesus loves them. 

He wants to assure them that He loves them deeply and nothing will ever change that. He will never give up on them. He will never forsake them. He will always be there for them.

As kids observe unconditional love in motion, they will return that love.

Model what it means to have a deep relationship with Jesus. 

A deep walk with Jesus is caught more than taught. Children are watching us. Children are seeing us go into our secret place to be with Jesus. They will normally follow our lead.  Before you ask kids to walk with Jesus, make sure you are walking with Jesus. 

You cannot teach what you are not doing yourself.

Discipleship begins at home, with parents, and there’s nothing more thrilling than watching your kids grow to love God and His Word. 

Children will be less likely to develop a true, close relationship with the Lord if they never see you modeling it.

Parental love is the best way little minds can comprehend the love of God. When you model consistent and unconditional love for them, it will help them understand the love of Jesus.

Teach your children about prayer through your example.

Help kids love and respect God's Word from an early age.

From the time a child is born, they are old enough for you to start reading the Bible to them. Have them hold the Bible. Have them hug the Bible.

The best time to hide God's Word into the hearts of children is now.

Make the Bible and loving Jesus the center of everything you do.  If you want your kids to love Jesus, cultivate your own love for Him.

Have a weekly family verse.  Read it together in the morning and use it as a theme for family devotions. 

Bed time. Sit together and open up a story, principle or verse found in the Bible. Talk about it with your children.

Pray for your children and pray with your children. Be constantly in prayer for their relationship with Jesus to grow stronger and deeper. Pray for them by name and for struggles they are dealing with. Teach your children about prayer through your example.

Raising kids who love Jesus starts with us.  It starts with our prayers, our walking in the power of God, and displaying the love of God.