Talking to your child about sin can feel overwhelming. How do you balance clarity and honesty with encouragement? How do you know you’re saying the right things?
The good news is that these conversations can actually help your child to learn more about who Jesus is and how much he loves them. So, what is sin, and how can you explain it to your kids in a way they’ll understand?
What Is Sin?
Sin is anything that we do that goes against God’s way. It’s when we choose our own path instead of his. Sin separates us from God, and without his redemption, we have no hope.
But here’s the good news: because of Jesus, our sins are wiped clean. Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
Why Talk to Kids About Sin?
It’s natural to feel some inner conflict about bringing up sin with kids. We don’t want to scare them, make them feel ashamed, or risk turning them off from faith altogether. Those are valid concerns!
But talking about sin doesn’t have to be harsh or heavy. If done well, it can actually be life-giving. The Bible tells us, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23). Your kids will sin—and they'll see you sin—which is why talking about it is so important.
When we talk to them about sin in a way that is clear, gentle, and hopeful, we help them make sense of why it exists and what they’re feeling when they make mistakes. Even more, it gives us a chance to point them to Jesus—the one who forgives, restores, and loves them no matter what.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Sin
Here are a few simple ways to guide the conversation:
1. Keep it simple.
Use language your kids can understand. Explain that sin is choosing to do something that isn’t God’s best for us. Share age-appropriate examples like cheating on a test or lying to a sibling.
2. Be honest about your own struggles.
Let your kids know that everyone sins—including you. Share stories about times you’ve messed up and how you’ve experienced God’s forgiveness. This helps them see that they’re not alone.
3. Always point to Jesus.
Don’t let the conversation end with guilt or shame. Remind your child that God’s love never runs out. He wants them to come to him when they’ve sinned, not hide from him. As 1 John 1:9 says, God is always ready to forgive.
4. Invite their questions.
Encourage your child to ask questions about what they're processing. Listen without judgment, and help them grow in their understanding of God’s grace.
5. Reassure them of God’s love.
No mistake is too big for God’s forgiveness. Remind your child that nothing can disqualify them from his love!
Talking About Sin Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
Talking with your kids about sin doesn’t need to be scary or uncomfortable. In fact, it’s one of the best opportunities you have to help them experience the hope of Jesus and take steps toward building a real and lasting faith.
Try This With Your Kids
- Start small this week. Look for a natural moment—maybe after a conflict with siblings, a mistake at school, or even when you share about a time you messed up—to talk about what sin is and how Jesus forgives.
- Pray together. After the conversation, invite your child to pray with you, thanking God for his love and asking for his help to make better choices.
Small, everyday moments like these help build a foundation of faith that will grow stronger over time!
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If God is all-knowing, do we really have to confess our sins to him? There's more to confession than we realize.
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