Healthy habits include physical, emotional, and spiritual practices. Christian parents, Sunday school teachers, and children’s ministry leaders serve on the front lines for instilling faith. Through lessons and actions, adults model healthy habits such as kindness and respect.
All fruit of the Spirit are healthy habits for children. But let’s zero in on two virtues rooted in biblical teachings. Kindness and respect are essential for Godly relationships, homes, and ministries. By instilling biblical values in kids, we grow a generation that shine Christ’s love.
We’ve gathered tips for teaching kindness and respect. Learn how to nurture Christian values in class, at home, and beyond.
Why Healthy Habits Matter
Healthy habits are central to Christian living. The Bible commands us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
God tells us to love others, no matter our differences. By teaching Christian values, we show kids how to live like Jesus.
Start With Scripture
First, use God’s Word to teach values. Children are drawn to stories, and Bible accounts inspire virtuous living. Teach the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus washing his disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), and Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-18). All these and more provide concrete examples of biblical values.
Then help students process Bible lessons. Ask, “How did the Good Samaritan show kindness?” or “What does it mean to respect others the way Jesus did?” Pointing out values in Scripture makes lessons personal and relatable.
Create Opportunities for Practice
Next, let children put healthy habits into practice. At church and home, create moments where kids can show kindness and respect.
- Serving. Organize simple service projects. Kids can create cards for nursing-home residents or pack meals for people in need.
- Role-playing. Practice responding in difficult situations. Ask, “How should we treat someone who’s being mean?” or “What can you do if a friend feels left out?” A safe environment equips children to act kindly in real life.
- Challenging. Give kids daily kindness challenges, such as sharing a toy, giving a compliment, or helping without being asked. Small, consistent actions establish healthy habits for young Christ-followers.
Model Christian Values in Everyday Life
Children learn more from what we do than from what we say. So ministry leaders, parents, and teachers must model healthy habits and interactions. How we handle conflict speaks volumes to young observers.
- Speak kindly. Whether addressing kids or adults, speak gently. Children notice and are quick to mimic our tone of voice. So be intentional about using kind words, especially when correcting behavior.
- Show respect. Listen carefully, acknowledge different perspectives, and treat everyone with dignity. Then kids will realize that respect isn’t dependent on agreement.
- Apologize and forgive. When you make mistakes, humbly own up to them and seek forgiveness.
Encourage Reflection
After lessons and service projects, ask children what they learned. “What was it like to show kindness? Was it tough to show respect in that situation?” Debriefing makes values stick and promotes growth.
Also work prayer into reflection times. Help children ask God for strength when they struggle. Linking healthy habits to friendship with God sparks spiritual growth.
