Rules in our homes can quickly make our homes ridged, unloving, and moralistic. As parents, helping our kids understand salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, through Christ alone is essential to combating that legalism temptation. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Nothing we can do earns our salvation – not keeping rules, not saying the right words, and not living in a Christian home makes someone a Christian. Model grace in discipline. Explain faith by helping them realize even that’s a gift through the Holy Spirit. And remind them only Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection makes our salvation possible.

Suggested Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1-2, 11:6