TEACHING CHILDREN TO trust God and live by faith at a young age is crucial to helping them build a strong spiritual foundation. The Bible says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Prov. 22:6 NLT). Children should know that faith is not just for grown-ups. It is something they can understand, accept, and practice. If you are a parent or Christian educator, here are seven lessons you can teach your children or students about faith.

Faith Is What Saves

Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” From an early age, children must be taught that accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior is how we are saved. Faith in Jesus is what lets us have a personal relationship with God. It’s how we experience His forgiveness and love. Understanding that is key to their spiritual development.

God’s Unconditional Love

Children should learn that God loves them without conditions. It’s important for them to understand that He loves them no matter what they do or how they feel. He loves them constantly. And He wants to have a relationship with them (Rom. 8:38–39).

Parents and teachers can share stories with kids about God’s love. Those include the parables of the lost sheep and the prodigal son. These stories can help them understand that their Heavenly Father values them. He accepts them and cherishes them. When they know this, they have a foundation to love others the same way.

Trusting in God’s Promises

Teaching kids to have faith in God’s promises is a key to cultivating their faith. They should be taught that God always keeps His Word. By teaching children about God’s promises—such as His promises to always be with them, to provide for their needs, and to give them strength—they can learn to trust and rely on Him. Share stories from your own life to illustrate how God always keeps His promises and how they can rely on His Word.

Prayer and Talking to God

Help children learn to pray. That gives them a powerful way to develop a personal relationship with their Heavenly Father. It also helps them experience His presence. Encourage them to talk with God just like they would their best friend.

Through prayer, kids learn to rely on God’s guidance, seek His wisdom, tune in to His voice, and experience His peace and comfort. Encourage them to make a habit of praying before meals, throughout the day, and before bedtime. Teach your children to pray regularly and to share everything with God—big or small (Phil. 4:6–7).

Trusting in God’s Plan

When things don’t go as expected, it’s a good opportunity to teach your children about trusting in God’s plan. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Teaching kids to trust God and seek His will in all aspects of life helps them face uncertainties with faith and confidence. Remind them that even when things don’t make sense, God has a purpose and a plan for them.

Faith in Action: Serving Others

Faith isn’t just about believing in God—it’s also about showing His love to others. Jesus emphasized the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:39). One way He demonstrated this was by serving others and putting their needs before His own. Show your children how to help others and be kind to those going through tough times. As you do, you’re teaching them how to live out their faith in a practical way.

Faith in Everyday Life

Finally, children should know that faith is not just for special circumstances. It’s to apply to their daily lives. They can trust God to help them with schoolwork, comfort them in sad times, and guide them with decisions. They need to know that we’re to live by faith continuously (Heb. 10:38).