What to Tell My Children

September 14, 2023

Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. 2 Corinthians 5:1 CEV

 Jesus replied, “I promise that today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 CEV

Heaven is a real place, created by a real God for real people. It’s a perfect forever home. That’s what our children need to know. We need to tell them early and often so that when the intruder of death comes, it’s not a new concept.

Sometimes we feel concerned about talking to our children about heaven because we don’t know for sure that the person who has died has put their faith in Jesus. We don’t need to make that call. We don’t know. We can say with confidence something like this:

“Our bodies that we get when we are born are not made to last forever. They get worn and broken like an old camping tent. But the real us that lives in our bodies IS made to last forever. Jesus has made a special place for the real us to go and live forever with Him. It’s a special home called heaven. It is a perfect place. Heaven and the people who live there will be happy forever.

“When Jesus was on the cross, a man was on the cross beside Him. Both of them had bodies that were broken and dying, but the man could see that Jesus was truly the King and Savior. He believed it! He said to Jesus, ‘Whenever you get to your kingdom, remember me.’ Jesus loved him and replied, ‘Yes! Today you will be with me in the special home I have prepared for you: heaven.’

“That happens every day. People who love Jesus have broken-down bodies that can’t take care of them anymore, and they ask Jesus to please take them where He is going. And He does. Heaven is a wonderful place. I know Jesus loves your grandpa and invited him to go there.”

Yes, heaven is a real place for real people. You can comfort children without lying. You can give them building blocks for their own future, and you can lead them to confidence in following Jesus themselves. Tell them about your own confidence that you have a home in heaven too.

• Pray for the children in your life and look for opportunities to tell them about Jesus and the home He has prepared.

 (I have written a book for children about death and heaven that may help you. Poppy’s Work Glove by Brenda Mason Young is available on AMAZON, or for $13 by writing me at brendamasonyoung@gmail.com)