Parental Protection

Parental protection is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the divine model of God's care for His children. The Scriptures often draw parallels between God's protective nature and the responsibilities of earthly parents. In the Old Testament, the role of parents as protectors is evident in the laws and teachings given to the Israelites. For instance, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents to diligently teach their children the commandments of God, ensuring their spiritual and moral protection: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

The book of Proverbs frequently addresses the protective role of parents, emphasizing the importance of discipline and wisdom. Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the protective aspect of guiding children in righteousness, safeguarding them from the pitfalls of life.

In the New Testament, the protective nature of parental love is mirrored in the relationship between God and His followers. Jesus speaks of God's protective care in Matthew 7:9-11 : "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" This passage highlights the expectation that parents, like God, should provide for and protect their children.

Fear

Fear, in the biblical context, can be understood in two primary ways: the fear of the Lord and the fear of worldly concerns. The fear of the Lord is a reverential awe and respect for God, which is foundational to wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This type of fear is encouraged as it leads to a righteous life and aligns believers with God's will.

Conversely, the Bible addresses the fear of worldly concerns, which can lead to anxiety and a lack of trust in God's provision. Jesus addresses this in Matthew 6:25-34 , where He instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies and what they will wear. He reassures them in verse 33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

Parents are called to model the fear of the Lord to their children, teaching them to trust in God's sovereignty and provision. This is seen in the exhortation of Ephesians 6:4 : "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." By instilling a healthy fear of the Lord, parents protect their children from the fears and anxieties of the world.

The Bible also provides comfort and assurance to those who struggle with fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7 , Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." This verse encourages believers, including parents, to rely on the Holy Spirit's strength to overcome fear and to lead their families with confidence and love.