The Bible strongly mandates that parents provide firm, corrective discipline and instruction to their children, often using metaphorical language like "the rod" (Proverbs 13:24; 29:15). For centuries, many Christians have interpreted these verses as a direct command to use physical discipline (spanking). However, modern Christian ethics requires balancing these verses with the commands to not provoke children to anger or despair (Ephesians 6:4) and to prioritize teaching and nurture. While many believers find spanking permissible when done rarely, with love, and without anger, many others argue that the biblical "rod" refers to authoritative correction and teaching, finding non-physical methods (like time-outs and logical consequences) to be more effective and less likely to cause emotional harm. The ethical decision rests on applying wisdom, love, and discernment to seek the child's long-term moral development.

The Bible emphasizes the sanctity and binary nature of the body (Genesis 1:27) and mandates prudence in making irreversible decisions. Gender-affirming surgery (which includes permanent surgical alteration of primary or secondary sex characteristics) for minors is ethically opposed by most orthodox Christian bodies because it is irreversible, highly invasive, and performed on individuals (children and adolescents) who lack the full cognitive maturity to consent to such life-altering procedures. The Christian response emphasizes addressing the underlying distress (gender dysphoria) through pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual support, rather than through permanent medical interventions that contradict the biological sex assigned by God.

Dealing with a wayward child requires a Christian parent to balance unconditional love with firm, age-appropriate discipline. The biblical mandate is to raise children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). When children—especially adult children—choose a path of sin or rebellion, the parent’s role shifts from correction to grief, prayerful surrender, and maintaining a faithful, loving witness (Proverbs 22:6). The model is the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son: waiting, watching, and loving unconditionally.  

When adult children reject the Christian faith, the primary biblical response for parents is to move from controlling the outcome to trusting God with the soul. This involves grieving the loss, continuing to model authentic, joyful faith (1 Peter 3:1-2), maintaining unconditional love and relationship, and committing to persistent, humble prayer (1 John 5:14). The focus shifts from correction to being a faithful, available witness to the transforming power of the Gospel.

The presence of a loving, committed father is vital because it reflects the nature of God, provides essential moral and spiritual authority, and uniquely models security, provision, and discipline. The biblical family structure is foundational for a child's identity, emotional stability, and understanding of their Heavenly Father (Proverbs 22:6; Psalm 103:13).

When a child’s education is ungodly, the Christian parent must intensify biblical instruction at home, acting as the chief spiritual educator (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). The goal is to equip the child to process conflicting ideas through biblical discernment, guarding against hollow and deceptive philosophy (Colossians 2:8). If the conflict becomes spiritually destructive, parents must prayerfully consider changing the environment through advocacy, Christian school, or homeschooling—prioritizing the child's spiritual health above all else.

How can you honor an ungodly or difficult parent as an adult? The command to honor does not equal a command to obey, approve, or endure abuse. We explore the Christian duty to set boundaries and offer forgiveness to protect our well-being while fulfilling Exodus 20:12.