When my oldest kids were young and first learning to write, I read about a mom who would have her children copy verses from the Bible as a means of correcting bad behaviors. At first I thought, “That’s a good way to make your children hate scripture.” And yet, I was desperate to have a means of discipline that didn’t involve yelling or fussing, and I at least recognized that the Word of God is a much better and wiser source than I was. I tried it and loved it for multiple reasons.
Reason #1: My words are simply not as effective as the Word of God. “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11
Reason #2: The very purpose of scripture is to train and guide. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Reason #3: I watched my children go from angry and frustrated to peaceful and ready to listen after spending some time copying Scripture.
Reason #4: When immediately able to give my children this activity following a broken rule, I was allowed a moment of quiet to collect my thoughts and pray for tenderness in my children and myself before overreacting.
Reason #5: Once the task was completed, our minds were on what the Lord has to say about our actions. We then prayed together, asking God’s forgiveness and help to do better next time.
The only down side is that this method of discipline takes longer than a quick reprimand to whip kids into shape. But the effects reach the heart, whereas simply forcing obedience only causes temporary compliance.
I didn’t (and still don’t) always get this right. I still have moments when I simply overreact, and yet, I’ve seen those moments lessen over the years. And when I allow God to shape my children through His Word, I notice a tenderness in my children that isn’t there when I attempt to instruct them in my own power.
I made two separate lists of scriptures- one for younger children and one for older children. There are links provided to each at the end of this post. Obviously older children can copy their scripture straight out of the Bible, but younger children may have more difficulty. I use the following website to create handwriting worksheets with verses my little kiddos can trace:
I keep multiple copies of these verses in a binder with tabs for each behavior, so I can quickly pull them out. I hope you find these lists and ideas helpful. You may have new insights on using scripture in disciplining and training. If so, I’d love to hear it!
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11