Teaching Values Through WWJD: Raising Children with a Christ-Centered Perspective

As Christian parents, the question, "What Would Jesus Do?" (WWJD) serves as a powerful tool in shaping our children’s character and worldview. Modeling Christ’s behavior and decision-making process provides a foundation for teaching values such as kindness, compassion, honesty, integrity, and faith.

Instilling these Christ-centered values in our children is more than just teaching them right from wrong. It is about guiding them to reflect on their choices through the lens of Jesus’ teachings and inspiring them to live with grace, love, and purpose. This article explores strategies for moms to incorporate WWJD into their parenting, helping their children develop a moral compass rooted in faith.

1. Leading by Example: Modeling Christ-like Behavior

Children learn more from what they see than from what they are told. One of the most effective ways to teach children Christ-centered values is by modeling Jesus’ behavior in everyday life. Jesus led by example, showing love, forgiveness, patience, and humility in His interactions with others.

Strategy: Practice What You Preach

As moms, we can demonstrate Christ-like behavior by responding to life’s challenges in a way that reflects Jesus’ teachings. For example, when faced with conflict, Jesus often responded with grace and calmness, even when provoked. By handling disagreements with patience and seeking peaceful resolutions, moms can show their children how to navigate conflict in a Christ-like manner.

If your child witnesses you showing compassion to someone in need, offering forgiveness when wronged, or making decisions that prioritize love and kindness, they will begin to understand the importance of these values. By consistently living out the behaviors we want to instill in our children, we show them what it means to live like Christ

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Practical Application:

- Involve your children in acts of kindness, such as volunteering at a food bank, helping a neighbor, or donating to a charity. Talk to them about why Jesus cared for the poor and the importance of serving others.

- When you make a mistake, admit it and ask for forgiveness. Jesus valued humility, and this can be a powerful lesson for children to see that no one is perfect and that seeking forgiveness is part of a Christ-centered life.

2. Teaching Empathy and Compassion

One of Jesus’ defining characteristics was His empathy and compassion for others. He took time to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and comfort the brokenhearted. Teaching children to consider the feelings and needs of others is essential in raising compassionate individuals who embody Christ’s love.

Strategy: Cultivate a Heart for Others

Moms can teach empathy by encouraging children to think about how their actions affect others. Simple conversations that start with, “How do you think that person feels?” or “What do you think Jesus would do in this situation?” can help children develop a sense of empathy and kindness.

For instance, if a child is having a conflict with a friend, guiding them to reflect on Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) can offer a new perspective on how to approach the situation. By helping children see beyond their own needs and feelings, we teach them to value the experiences of others and respond with compassion.

Practical Application:

- Encourage your children to pray for others, especially those who are going through tough times. This reinforces the importance of empathy and allows them to practice turning to God on behalf of others.

- Create opportunities for your children to serve, whether it’s helping a friend at school or participating in a family mission project. Acts of service teach children that Jesus calls us to care for others, especially those in need.

3. Teaching Responsibility and Integrity

Jesus was a man of integrity, always doing what was right, even when it was difficult. Teaching children the value of integrity—doing the right thing even when no one is watching—is a foundational lesson in Christian values. Responsibility and honesty go hand in hand with integrity, as they encourage children to take ownership of their actions and live truthfully.

Strategy: Encourage Accountability

Teaching responsibility starts with holding children accountable for their actions in a way that reflects grace and guidance. When they make mistakes, instead of focusing solely on the consequences, guide them in understanding why their actions were wrong and how they can make it right. This mirrors the way Jesus dealt with sinners—offering correction with love and the opportunity for redemption.

Parents can also emphasize the importance of honesty by rewarding truthfulness, even when it’s difficult. Teaching children that Jesus values truth (John 14:6) helps them understand that integrity isn’t just about following rules but about living a life of faithfulness to God.

Practical Application:

- Give children age-appropriate responsibilities, such as completing chores or managing homework, and hold them accountable for their actions. Praise their efforts and guide them in correcting mistakes with grace.

- Share Bible stories where Jesus demonstrated integrity, such as when He resisted temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), and discuss how these lessons apply to everyday life.

4. Teaching Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Forgiveness is central to Jesus’ message. He forgave those who wronged Him, even offering forgiveness from the cross (Luke 23:34). Teaching children the value of forgiveness is essential to helping them navigate relationships and conflicts in a Christ-centered way.

Strategy: Model and Teach Forgiveness

Moms can model forgiveness in their own relationships, showing children that forgiving others is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of Jesus’ heart. When conflicts arise between siblings or friends, guide your children through the process of seeking and offering forgiveness. Help them understand that forgiveness is a gift, not only for the person being forgiven but also for the one offering it, freeing them from the burden of resentment.

Reconciliation is another important value to teach. Jesus didn’t just forgive; He sought to restore relationships. Encourage children to rebuild trust and repair broken relationships, teaching them that Christ calls us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).

Practical Application:

- When disciplining your child, remind them that just as Jesus forgives us when we make mistakes, we are called to forgive others. Lead by example, offering forgiveness in moments of frustration.

- Teach children to apologize when they’ve wronged someone and guide them in mending relationships. Encourage them to pray for those who have hurt them, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44.

5. Encouraging Faith and Trust in God

Faith is the cornerstone of a Christ-centered life. Throughout His ministry, Jesus encouraged His followers to trust in God, even in times of uncertainty. Moms can instill faith in their children by helping them develop a personal relationship with Jesus and encouraging them to rely on God in every aspect of their lives.

Strategy: Create Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Moms can foster their children’s faith by making prayer, Bible study, and church participation a regular part of family life. Encouraging children to seek God’s guidance in decision-making and to trust Him in times of difficulty teaches them to rely on their faith. When children face challenges, guiding them to pray and ask, "What Would Jesus Do?" helps them navigate life’s obstacles with confidence in God's plan.

Helping children understand that Jesus is always with them, even when things don’t go their way, builds resilience and a deeper connection with their faith. Reminding them that their identity is rooted in Christ, not in worldly success, reinforces the importance of trusting God’s will.

Practical Application:

- Start each day with a family prayer or devotional, focusing on a Bible verse or lesson that applies to daily life. This establishes a routine where faith becomes a natural part of their everyday experience.

- Encourage children to bring their concerns to God in prayer, teaching them to trust in His guidance. When they face disappointment or fear, remind them that Jesus faced challenges but always trusted God’s plan.

6. Instilling Gratitude and Contentment

Jesus demonstrated a life of gratitude, often giving thanks to God before performing miracles (John 6:11). Teaching children to be grateful helps them develop a positive outlook and contentment, even when things don’t go as expected.

Strategy: Cultivate a Grateful Heart

Moms can encourage gratitude by regularly expressing thanks to God for both big and small blessings. Teaching children to appreciate what they have, rather than focusing on what they lack, fosters contentment. Gratitude can also be cultivated by encouraging children to keep a gratitude journal, where they record things they are thankful for each day.

Jesus’ teaching on contentment reminds us that our worth is not tied to material possessions or external success but is found in our relationship with God. This perspective can help children develop a sense of peace, even in a world that often emphasizes comparison and competition.

Practical Application:

- Set aside time each evening for your children to share something they are grateful for. This practice not only promotes gratitude but also encourages family bonding.

- Teach children to give thanks in all circumstances, as Jesus did, helping them develop a heart of contentment rooted in God’s provision.

Raising Children with a Christ-centered Perspective

Raising children with a Christ-centered perspective is an ongoing journey that requires patience, love, and intentionality. By incorporating the question, "What Would Jesus Do?" into everyday life, moms can help their children develop strong values and morals rooted in faith. Through modeling Christ-like behavior, teaching empathy, responsibility, forgiveness, faith, and gratitude, moms can guide their children toward a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus.

In a world that often pulls children in many different directions, providing them with the foundation of a Christ-centered perspective ensures they have the tools to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom, compassion, and faith. Ultimately, by teaching our children to live as Jesus did, we are preparing them not