Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, or if there’s simply a child that’s important to you in your life, one thing is certain: you want what’s best for them. And as someone with influence in a child’s life, you be a difference-maker in what they learn and take with them into adulthood.
The Bible is full of wisdom that’s helpful for all ages and all seasons—and it’s never too young to start introducing kids to Scripture. We’ve rounded up some Bible verses that can be incredibly helpful in teaching kids about Jesus, as well as how to interact with the world through a Christ-centered lens.
Bible Verses for Kids
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
What it teaches: God loves you so much that he sent Jesus so you can be close to him forever.
Romans 10:9
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
What it teaches: When you truly believe in Jesus and say it, God promises to save you.
Psalm 136:1
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love lasts forever."
What it teaches: God is always good, and his love never runs out, so we can thank him.
1 John 4:19
"We love because God first loved us."
What it teaches: God showed us how to love others in the way he loves us.
Proverbs 3:5
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t rely on your own understanding."
What it teaches: You can trust God even when things don’t make sense to you.
Matthew 22:39
"Love your neighbor as yourself."
What it teaches: Treat other people with the same kindness you want for yourself.
Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
What it teaches: Jesus gives you the strength to do hard things.
Psalm 56:3
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
What it teaches: When you feel scared, you can talk to God and trust he’s with you.
Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
What it teaches: God made the whole world and everything in it.
Psalm 23:1
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need."
What it teaches: God takes care of you and gives you what you need.
Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."
What it teaches: The Bible is God's word, and it shows you the right way to go in life.
Matthew 5:16
"Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good deeds and praise God."
What it teaches: When you do good things, people can see God’s love through you.
Isaiah 41:10
"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you."
What it teaches: You don’t have to be afraid—God is right there helping you.
How to Teach Bible Verses to Kids
Having a list of Bible verses for kids is a great start—here are some ways to help a child understand what they mean and apply them to life:
- Make reading the Bible a habit with a Bible Reading Plan or daily devotional. Pick a time every day to read it together. (We like this 5-day Bible Reading Plan for families!)
- Talk about the verses together. Read one and ask what that verse means to them.
- Try memorizing the verses! Incentivize them with a small reward for memorizing a verse by the end of the week or try making it a challenge for the whole family.
- Make it visible. Write Bible verses on sticky notes and put them up in their room, in the kitchen, or in other places where your child will be reminded of them.
- Get creative! Let them color, paint, or collage around the Bible verse on a piece of paper and put their encouraging artwork on display. Or, try making a song out of a Bible verse together!
- Look for opportunities to live it out. Point out times where they can “let their light shine” or “give thanks to the Lord” throughout the day to help them live out what they’re reading in the Bible.
These are some simple but powerful ways to help a child grow in their faith and make it their own. Over time, putting these verses into practice will help you follow the advice in Proverbs 22:6: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older they will not leave it.”
-----
“Should I make my kids go to church?” It’s a question many parents struggle with—but the answer might surprise you.
-----
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!