Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family

One of the best books to put every level of parenting into proper perspective. From the long nights of baby days, to teenage years, he shares practical ways to parent as ambassadors of Christ.

I haven’t finished this book yet, but I really wanted to address something that I read in the reviews of this book. Someone commented that this book denigrates parents who work. Though I can’t speak for the author himself, I can try to explain what I believe he is saying. When he says that today, many parents are choosing to work rather than take care of their children, I don’t think he is talking about the ones that HAVE to work. There are many couples who need two incomes, and that’s totally ok. The Bible never says “one parent must stay home with the child.” What I believe he is referring to is the new cultural norm of women needing careers to feel validated and have a “real job.” I’m not saying that women can’t work. What I’m saying is that being a stay at home parent is a REAL job. A 24/7 never ending job. What I truly believe the author is saying is that parents should, if possible, raise their own children. Sometimes, it’s not. However, sometimes parents are on the hunt for having a big house, a successful career, all these material things instead of focusing on parenting. When in reality, they could scale back - live in a smaller home, drive an older car, etc. - and afford to have one parent stay home or maybe just work part time to raise their child. My goal in this post is not to make working moms feel bad. I can see how what the author wrote could be offensive - but I truly don’t think he meant it in that way. I do think it could be a wake up call to some who are working not for God’s glory but for excessive money, success, etc. But so far I do love this book. It has helped me to refocus my parenting on Him and especially His grace. Would definitely recommend.

I haven’t read any Paul David Tripp books before, but this was a great intro to his wisdom and writing style. It’s very no nonsense - logical, rational, and backed by scripture. Tripp blends personal experience, anecdotes, and God’s word to bring a comprehensive guide to being a better parent. Or, in other words, ambassadors for God to the children we are blessed to watch over and introduce to Him. The emphasis on showing grace to our children just as we are shown grace from God really hits hard. Give it a read, you won’t regret it.

By chapter two I had gotten my money's worth out of this book. Even if you never get past chapter two it's well worth every penny. The book is so full of grace for struggling parents, reminding us that if we all needed Jesus and His grace how much more so our children and that God didn't pick us to be parents to our children because we were capable or competent for the task but, like so many in the bible, in spite of the fact that we are not and that he is going to do a work through us while we learn to parent. My child is really struggling and I tried therapy to learn how to help her better but honestly, this book helped much more than the expensive therapist. When I'm at my wits end with my kids I read one page and am calmer and more prepared to be the parent they need me to be. I highly recommend this above an beyond any other parenting book I've read, which is quite a few.

When I bought this book I wasn’t quite sure if I should read it or not. But in a place where I was, I bought it and began to read it. I can’t recommend this book enough! It isn’t your average parenting book like the “how to’s” that’s all out there. No! It’s better! You’ll begin to feel the conviction to better become the parent God entrusted you with with your children. It brought me to a place with ABBA Father to heal from inside wounds I didn’t know I had or roots to see that I didn’t know had. I have underlines and writings and highlights throughout the book. I’ve already recommended it to a few friends and family members. This book is a keeper to run back to.

I could spend a book writing about how good this book is! When it has accolades from someone like Francis Chan, I don’t know why you need my opinion. But here it is. I took so many pages of notes about ways this book revolutionizes the philosophy of parenting based on the Gospel. My son is an infant, and I praise the Lord that I discovered this book at the beginning of my parenting journey. The way I live out my faith IN RELATIONSHIP is how my children will understand faith! As daunting as the calling is to be an ambassador of our heavenly Father to our children is, Tripp gives us so many encouraging Scriptures that remind us that we are not alone and that we have the power through Christ to fulfill this calling. Also, it is such an encouragement to remember that my children are in His hands ultimately, not mine. I can be faithful, but I cannot sanctify them. That is a relief. Tripp did such a good job at helping me see my sanctification journey with God as my Father in a way that will give me grace and compassion and patience with my children, because I am no different from them. Also, parenting seems so much more important when you realize that your responsibility is to help your children see themselves and their behaviors in light of Jesus and his love and sacrifice, not to force them to be obedient - God is more concerned about who we are, than what we do. My child and I are working together against the enemy of sin in both of our lives; I am not my child’s enemy, nor is my child my enemy. I as a parent, and as a child of God, am forever changed by this book. One other comment that I have about it is that the book is about very large philosophies, and doesn’t have almost any practical examples of how to carry out these philosophies. It was best read in the context of a group of other Christian parents, so we could discuss how to live out of these philosophies as parents. I am an adoption specialist and I have read very many parenting books. This is the best one and the most important one.

So glad I found this book. Reminder of how important each moment is with your child and attending to the child with grace in your heart.

All I will say is, it’s a must-read for parents everywhere. Really impactful concepts that has left me thinking

This was such a good book with a lot of different points, I would recommend this to anyone needing a hand with parenting, or just wanting to read

I like the fact that this book is about character building for the children, responsibilities for the parents, and total trust in God.

Still reading! Enjoying it!