Book Review: Parenting by Paul David Tripp
I had attempted to read “Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family” by Paul David Tripp earlier this year. Honestly, I didn’t love it at first, mostly because I felt called out for falling so far short as a christian parent. 😅
-
Now that I’m back to being a stay-at-home mom, I picked it up again and absolutely loved it. I wish I had read it sooner. While it definitely opened my eyes to some of my shortcomings as a mama, it also reminded me that there is real hope in Christ—for me, for how I parent, and for my daughter. 🤍
-
One quote that really stuck with me: “Think about how beautiful this is. In every moment you were parenting your children, the heavenly Father is parenting you.” (Pg. 41) And how true that is. Parenthood is sanctifying.
-
This book isn’t filled with step-by-step advice for how to handle every situation; it goes much deeper than that. It reminded me that I’m called to be an ambassador of Christ in my child’s life and that my child ultimately belongs to Him. Tripp’s words encouraged me to shift my focus from trying to change behavior to trusting God to work in her heart.
-
Another line that really hit me: “A good thing becomes a bad thing when it becomes a ruling thing.” That applies to both parenting and life in general.
-
If you’re a parent or preparing to be, I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s full of biblical truth and gospel-centered wisdom. 🙌🏻
-
Thank you so much to Crossway Books for sending this my way in exchange for an honest review! 🫶🏻
-
#christian #bookreview #seekthelord #exploretheword #faithfullyadventuring
Paul David Tripp's book, Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family, offers a unique approach that goes beyond typical parenting manuals by focusing on gospel-centered principles. The core idea is that parenting is a sanctifying journey where the Heavenly Father simultaneously parents both the child and the parent. This spiritual perspective shifts the focus away from merely managing behavior towards nurturing the heart through Christ’s redemptive power. The principle reflected in the quote, "In every moment you were parenting your children, the heavenly Father is parenting you," highlights the reciprocal nature of growth and grace in the family setting. Parents are reminded they don't parent in isolation but are supported by God’s guiding hand, providing encouragement amidst challenges. Tripp stresses that parenting is not about controlling every situation with rigid step-by-step techniques but about becoming Christ’s ambassador to one’s child. This fosters a reliance on God’s transformative work in the child’s heart rather than solely focusing on behavioral change. The insight that "a good thing becomes a bad thing when it becomes a ruling thing" warns against allowing good habits or values to dominate excessively, encouraging healthy balance and humility in parenting approaches. For Christian parents or those preparing for parenthood, the book offers gospel-centered wisdom grounded in biblical truth, addressing common feelings of inadequacy and reminding them of the hope and grace available through faith. This transformative guidance helps families build strong spiritual foundations, nurturing children not only in behavior but also in faith and character. Ultimately, Tripp’s Parenting invites readers to embrace parenting as a spiritually meaningful calling—shaped by grace, aimed at heart transformation, and anchored in the hope of Christ—making it an essential resource for faith-based family life.
I’m definitely getting this book! Thank you for the review🥰