Kids have questions, let them ask! 

Here are some general questions many parents come across when talking to their kids about sin!

When I sin, what do I do?

Help your child visualize this:  When someone hurts another person what do they do?  Usually, they stop and apologize, they say sorry to the person affected.  When we sin, we are not following what Jesus wants us to do, we are breaking His law, and it hurts Him.   When we sin we need to talk to God.  We ask for forgiveness, knowing that it doesn’t change what we did, but as a demonstration of our heart seeking reconciliation to Jesus.

Model this for your child:  You know when your day with the kids hasn’t gone well. You also know they are watching.  If you sin, chances are they saw it. Give them a chance to see you ask God to forgive you.  Let them see that you can admit your sin, ask for forgiveness, and reconcile with those around you.  Remind them that just because you sinned doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t love you. It means that you have to try again and ask the Lord to help you.  As you pray with your kids, I challenge you to model this forgiveness and repentance process and give them an opportunity to talk to you and Jesus about any sins they may have committed that day.   

Is there big and little sin?  Does God care about all sin?

As kids begin to grow in their knowledge of sin, it is easy to think there are sins that may be no big deal!  Even adults fall into this trap! We may say to ourselves I did ____, but at least I didn’t _____.   Our kids start this train of thought early.  It is part of our fallen human nature.   

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

All sin no matter the offense results in eternal separation from God.  Remind your kids that they cannot categorize their sins and decide which ones they should repent of.  All sin is sin! 

Take the time to share this kid friendly devotional to share with your kids!

What is forgiveness and grace?

Forgiveness is the pardon of our sins.   Forgiveness happens when we repent, tell God our sins, and accept Jesus’ gift of salvation as payment for our sins past, future, and present. Forgiveness is a gift we do not earn, it is a gift that Christ gave us.

Point your kids to Acts 2:38-39, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

Am I still saved even if I sin?

Short answer YES!  

If you choose to follow Jesus, accept his gift of forgiveness and salvation, a product of Jesus’ death and resurrection, you are saved!  Good news is, Jesus saved you and has given you eternal life!  We will sin.  We are imperfect and until we are with Jesus, we cannot be made whole.  We will sin and we must strive to follow Jesus and seek his forgiveness.

Looking for more!  

Check the following blogs and resources out!

Teaching Your Kids to UNDERSTAND (Rather Than Fear) Sin - Mama Bear Apologetics