Review of Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson's book called Give Them Grace is encouraging for parents at all stages. The continual reminder of God's grace pushes the reader to lean harder on God in parenting, as they patiently address the needs of little pagans who are in need of God's grace.

This is probably the first parenting book that I have read that consistently applies the gospel story to parenting. While it does not negate the need for instruction, discipline, and correction, it happily affirms that these alone will not convert a child's heart. Parents know this instinctively, yet we often falter in the moment and forget to extend grace to our children.

The strength of this book is not in the how to--although, it does contain very helpful examples of in the moment grace-parenting--it's strength is in the affirmation that it is through grace alone that God redeems both prodigals and pharisees. "The only power strong enough to transform the selfishly rebellious and the selfishly self-righteous heart is grace" (p. 68). Throughout the book there is a continual reminder that if we as parents consistently throw ourselves on God's mercy, we will help our children place their hope in him too. We cannot teach our children grace, if we don't think that we need it as much as they do.

The book does recommend alternative parenting techniques for varying situations--therefore, there is realism implicit within these pages as well. I really appreciate that an older and younger mother conspired together to write this book, so that generational wisdom is available to us. As a dad reading this book, I was blessed and encouraged. I recommend that you pick it up for yourself, or even an unbelieving friend. The gospel is woven throughout, and may encourage someone to consider the practical implications of an alternative worldview, and discover God's grace.




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