When parents are incarcerated, the effects on their children—ranging from low self-esteem to anxiety to feelings of abandonment—can go overlooked. Making a way for children with parents in prison to face hardship can be even more challenging when the adults in their lives are struggling themselves.
God watches over these families, and Scripture provides them with His comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they navigate what can be a traumatizing time.
His Word can make an enormous impact on a child’s life, encouraging and strengthening them no matter the circumstance. Share these 10 Bible verses for the children of those in prison, that they might know they are both seen and loved.
For the child who needs confidence
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
—Hebrews 4:16
For the child dreaming of peace
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
—John 14:27
For the child who needs to feel love
“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
—Psalm 139:13–14
For the child needing reassurance of Jesus’ love
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
—Matthew 19:14
To encourage children to not give up
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
—Galatians 6:9
For the child learning about forgiveness
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
—Ephesians 4:32
To remind children to rely on God’s grace
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
—Philippians 4:13
For the young person who leads others
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
—1 Timothy 4:12
To remind little ones they are children of God
“But You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; You consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.”
—Psalm 10:14
For the child who walks in faith
“I have no greater joy than to hear that My children are walking in the truth.”
—3 John 1:4
Encourage the young people in your life to memorize these Scriptures as a way to grow in their faith and knowledge of God’s tender heart for them.
All Scriptures are from the New International Version of the Holy Bible.
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