Parents
What are some reasons why Jehovah created marriage?
How should parents view their children?
See also “Children; Young People”
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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Ge 33:4, 5—Jacob sees his children as blessings from Jehovah
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Ex 1:15, 16, 22; 2:1-4; 6:20—Amram and Jochebed become parents to Moses, and they risk their lives to protect him
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Parents have what duty regarding their children?
What are the benefits of training children in Jehovah’s ways?
See also 2Ti 3:14, 15
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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1Sa 2:18-21, 26; 3:19—Samuel’s parents offer their son to serve at the tabernacle, but they visit the boy regularly and help care for his needs; he grows up to be an outstanding spiritual man
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Lu 2:51, 52—Jesus remains subject to his parents even though they are imperfect
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Where can parents find guidance for rearing their children?
Even if a child grows up in a family that loves God, why might he still turn away from serving Jehovah?
When should parents start to teach their children God’s ways?
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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De 29:10-12, 29; 31:12; Ezr 10:1—Children are included in religious gatherings to learn about Jehovah’s ways
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Lu 2:41-52—Joseph and Mary customarily bring their children, including Jesus, to the festival of the Passover at the temple in Jerusalem
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What examples should parents follow when it comes to protecting their children from those who might harm them?
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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Ex 19:4; De 32:11, 12—Jehovah compares himself to an eagle that carries, protects, and cares for its young
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Isa 49:15—Jehovah promises to care for and protect his servants in a way that exceeds even the compassion that a nursing mother shows for her baby
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Mt 2:1-16—Satan tries to destroy the baby Jesus by leading pagan astrologers to wicked King Herod, but Jehovah protects His son by directing Joseph to move his family to Egypt
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Mt 23:37—Jesus compares his desire to help his people to the way a mother hen gathers and protects her chicks under her wings
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Why should parents teach their children about sexual matters?
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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Le 15:2, 3, 16, 18, 19; De 31:10-13—The Mosaic Law speaks frankly of sexual matters, and Jehovah directs that children be present when it is read aloud
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Ps 139:13-16—The psalmist David praises Jehovah for the wonderful design of the human body, including its reproductive system
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Pr 2:10-15—Knowledge and wisdom from Jehovah can protect us from those who are perverse and devious
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Why should discipline be administered in a loving way?
Pr 13:24; 29:17; Jer 30:11; Eph 6:4
See also Ps 25:8; 145:9; Col 3:21
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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Ps 32:1-5—Though King David feels the weight of Jehovah’s discipline, he is relieved to learn that Jehovah forgives those who are truly repentant of their sins
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Jon 4:1-11—The prophet Jonah speaks angrily and disrespectfully to Jehovah; yet, Jehovah patiently teaches him about mercy
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Why can discipline be viewed as an expression of love?