A report has shed light on a growing and highly contentious issue, the increase in gender-affirming medical interventions for minors in the United States. According to a database launched by the advocacy group Do No Harm, more than 5,700 minors have undergone gender-affirming surgeries, and nearly 14,000 have received treatments for gender dysphoria, including puberty blockers and hormone therapies, between 2019 and 2023. These figures represent a growing trend in gender-related medical procedures, particularly in liberal states such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, which have the highest numbers of minors undergoing such treatments​. While these numbers reflect an increasing societal shift toward accepting gender-affirming care for minors, the news also raises deep ethical concerns, particularly from a Christian perspective. As parents and caretakers, it is vital to approach this sensitive topic with a balanced view, one grounded in biblical principles. The Bible offers clear guidance on how we approach matters of identity, especially as it relates to children, whom Scripture describes as a precious heritage from God.

The Biblical Understanding of Identity

In today’s culture, many young people are questioning their gender identity due to a wide array of societal pressures and influences. As Christians, we believe that God has already given each of us a unique identity—one that is far more significant than our physical characteristics. Psalm 127:3 states, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.“ This verse reminds us of the divine responsibility parents have in shaping their children’s understanding of who they are in God’s eyes.

Furthermore, in Jeremiah 1:5, God speaks of His intimate knowledge of every person before they are even born: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart.“ This passage emphasizes that our identity is not something we choose or create for ourselves, but something bestowed upon us by God. Every child is made in His image (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, their value and worth are not contingent upon their external traits or the opinions of society, but on the unchanging truth of being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

When young people struggle with their identity, the Bible calls on parents to gently guide them back to these foundational truths. Proverbs 22:6 advises, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.“ This training includes teaching them to embrace how they were created, both physically and spiritually.

Parental Responsibility and Societal Pressures

In today’s environment, the pressures that children face—particularly through social media, pop culture, and activism—can lead to confusion and anxiety about gender. Unfortunately, this often results in young people seeking medical interventions like hormone blockers and surgeries as they try to reconcile their internal struggles with external realities. Yet, many of these treatments, particularly when undertaken at a young age, can have lifelong consequences. For example, hormone blockers may lead to delayed bone growth, infertility, and other health issues.

Chloe Cole, a prominent detransitioner and activist, argues that many children undergoing these procedures are being treated as “guinea pigs” for unproven and dangerous medical experiments. This view is echoed by various Christian leaders and organizations calling for caution and responsibility. Medical professionals, too, are divided on the issue, with some expressing concern about the long-term effects of these treatments, especially when they are performed on minors. She had a conversation with Jay W. Richards, PhD Of The Heritage Foundation, Watch the video here.

From a Christian standpoint, parents have a God-given duty to protect their children from making irreversible decisions that could cause them harm. This protection extends to encouraging children to find their true identity not in fleeting societal trends but in their eternal identity as children of God. Romans 12:2 instructs believers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.“ This renewal happens as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing His truth to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Embracing God’s Design for Gender

One of the core teachings of the Bible is that God created human’s male and female (Genesis 1:27), and that this distinction is not accidental but part of His divine design. Embracing this design is a central part of living a life that honors God. Gender, from a biblical perspective, is not just a social construct or a matter of personal preference—it is a gift from God, intricately woven into our identity.

While many young people today are told that their true selves can only be discovered by altering their bodies to match their feelings, Scripture teaches the opposite. Our true identity is found not in the flesh but in Christ. As Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.“ This does not mean distinctions are erased, but rather that our worth and value are not dependent on them.

Christians are called to show love and compassion to those who are struggling with their gender identity. However, true compassion also involves speaking the truth. Jesus said in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.“ In a world that increasingly promotes the idea that altering one’s body can lead to happiness and fulfillment, the truth is that only by embracing how God created us—and finding our identity in Christ—can we experience the freedom and joy that He intends for us.

Guiding Children to Their True Identity in Christ

As this new data on gender-affirming surgeries reveals a growing trend among minors, Christian parents and communities must take a stand on what the Bible says about identity. Rather than allowing children to be swayed by societal pressures that encourage them to alter their God-given bodies, parents must remind them that their true identity is found in Christ.

Ultimately, the decision to embrace one’s gender as created by God is about trusting in His wisdom and plan. As parents, we are called to encourage our children to find security in the knowledge that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator who knew them before they were born. By instilling these biblical truths, we can help protect our children from the dangers of conforming to a culture that often leads them away from the life God desires.

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This guide offers strategies and techniques to help your child grow morally and ethically. It’s about building strong moral character and teaching them to make good choices.

What are Virtues?

Virtues are the moral qualities that show God’s goodness and holiness. They help us live as He wants us to. In Colossians 3:12, Apostle Paul tells us to wear compassion, kindness, and patience-like clothes.

The Bible says it’s crucial to teach virtues to kids early. Proverbs 22:6  says, “Start children off on the right path, and they will stay on it for the rest of their lives.” Teaching kids virtues early helps them grow into good people.

Living virtuously strengthens our bond with God. It makes us a light for others, showing them Christ’s love. Virtues transform our lives, making us reflect God’s glory.

Understanding the Importance of Virtues

Parenting strategies that focus on character development and teaching values are key. Virtues like honesty, compassion, and self-discipline guide a child’s actions. They shape their well-being.

Moral education is vital for instilling virtues. These qualities help a child succeed in life. They learn to make good decisions and handle life’s challenges.

Virtues are real and help a child grow. By teaching virtues, parents build self-worth, empathy, and responsibility. This leads to better emotional control, stronger relationships, and overcoming obstacles.

Understanding virtues is a big step in parenting. It helps raise well-rounded, ethical kids. By focusing on virtues, parents prepare their children for success.

Instilling Core Values Through Parental Example

As parents, we shape our children’s moral compass. One key way is by showing them through our actions. We help our kids build a strong moral base by being role models of good behavior.

Children watch us closely and learn from what we do. Showing honesty, integrity, and kindness in our daily lives teaches them these values are key. On the other hand, selfish or wrong behavior can teach them the wrong lessons.

To teach values by example, we must think about our choices. This means:

• Volunteering or doing community service to show the value of helping others.
• Making choices that reflect our values, like choosing ethical work or solving problems wisely.
• Showing how to handle tough situations and manage our emotions.

By consistently showing the virtues we want our kids to have, we lay a strong moral foundation. This way, we teach values and inspire our children to live them. They grow up to be people of strong character and good values.

how to raise a virtuous child

Raising a virtuous child is a noble goal. It requires a thoughtful, multifaceted approach. As parents, we have the privilege and responsibility of instilling core values. We also nurture good behavior and guide our children’s character development.

By adopting effective parenting strategies, we can help our kids become morally upright individuals. They will positively contribute to the world around them.

One key step is to set clear expectations and consistently reinforce them. Establish age-appropriate rules and boundaries that emphasize honesty, respect, and kindness. Engage in open and honest communication with your child.

Please encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings while also listening attentively.

Leading by example is equally important. Children learn best by observing their parents’ actions and behaviors. Demonstrate the virtues you wish to instill, such as compassion, integrity, and responsibility.

Involve your child in family discussions about ethical dilemmas and moral decision-making. This allows them to develop their own moral reasoning skills.

Additionally, create a nurturing environment that fosters positive character traits. Praise and reward your child’s good deeds. Gently correct any missteps with empathy and understanding.

Encourage participation in community service, volunteering, and other activities. These activities cultivate a sense of social responsibility and altruism.

Teaching Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Positive reinforcement helps kids grow into good people. As parents, we can teach them important life lessons. This method encourages them to act in positive ways.

One effective way is to praise them when they do something right. For example, if they’re kind or honest, we should tell them how proud we are. This makes them feel good about their actions.

• Praise your child’s efforts, not just the outcomes. Recognize their hard work and perseverance, not just the final result.
• Be specific in your praise, highlighting the exact behavior you want to reinforce. For example, “I’m so proud of you for sharing your toys with your sister.”
• Combine verbal praise with physical affection, such as a hug or high-five, to create a stronger emotional connection.

Rewards can also teach kids good values. These can be small treats or special privileges. It’s important to make sure the reward is connected to the good behavior.

Using positive reinforcement helps kids make better choices. It helps us as parents teach them to be good people. This way, we can guide them to be kind and honest.

 Strategies for Positive Parenting

As parents, our main goal is to raise kids with good character. Positive parenting is a great way to do this. It creates an environment that encourages good behavior, helping our kids grow morally and succeed in life.

Setting clear boundaries is key in positive parenting. Kids do best when they know what’s expected of them. Make rules that fit their age and stick to them with kindness. This teaches them to make good choices and be responsible.

It’s also important to give positive feedback. Praise your child for their efforts, no matter how small. This motivates them to keep showing good traits like kindness and honesty. Always try to give feedback that helps them grow, not just criticize.

Good communication is another must in positive parenting. Make sure your child feels safe sharing their thoughts and feelings. Listen well, understand their emotions, and solve problems together. This builds their emotional smarts and helps them make ethical choices.

Using these positive parenting methods helps create a supportive environment for your child’s growth. With consistent guidance, positive feedback, and open talks, you can help them develop good habits and values for life.

The Virtues Every Child Should Learn

As parents, our main goal is to raise kids who are not just successful but also have a strong moral character. Teaching virtues is key to this, as it shapes their personality and behavior. Here are 10 important virtues every child should learn:

1. Honesty: cultivating a commitment to truthfulness and integrity.
2. Compassion: Developing the ability to empathize and care for others.
3. Courage: Fostering the strength to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
4. Responsibility: Teaching children to take ownership of their actions and fulfill their obligations.
5. Self-discipline: helping children develop the ability to control their impulses and make good choices.
6. Respect: Instilling a deep appreciation for the dignity and worth of all individuals.
7. Kindness: Encouraging children to be caring, generous, and considerate towards others.
8. Perseverance: Cultivating the determination to overcome challenges and persist in the face of obstacles.
9. Integrity: Fostering a strong moral compass and a commitment to ethical behavior.
10. Gratitude: Teaching children to appreciate the blessings in their lives and express thankfulness.

By consistently teaching values, parents can instill virtues that guide their children through life’s moral education. This helps in their overall character development. Through parental example and positive reinforcement, kids can become truly virtuous.

The journey of raising a virtuous child is challenging, but the rewards are huge. By nurturing these essential virtues, parents can help their children live a life of purpose, integrity, and fulfillment.

Guiding Children Through Moral Dilemmas

As parents, we face a big challenge. We must guide our kids in making good choices in a complex world. Teaching them values and virtues is crucial. It requires patience, empathy, and understanding of what’s right.

Children often struggle with tough choices. We can help them by teaching critical thinking and empathy. This helps them become kind and responsible.

1. Encourage critical thinking: Talk to your kids about tough choices, asking them to see things from different angles.
2. Foster empathy: Help them understand others’ feelings and needs, so they can make choices that show kindness.
3. Promote thoughtful decision-making: Guide them in weighing options and choosing what’s right based on their values.
4. Reinforce positive behavior: Praise your kids for making good choices, showing them the value of doing the right thing.

By using these methods, you can help your kids grow into well-rounded individuals. They’ll be ready to face life’s challenges with confidence and integrity.

Incorporating Virtues into Daily Routines

Teaching virtues to kids isn’t just about lessons or family talks. It’s about making these values a part of our daily lives. As parents, we can show and teach the values we want our kids to have. We do this through the routines and activities of our daily lives.

Start your day by talking about a virtue, like kindness or responsibility. Ask your kids to show this virtue all day. This helps them remember the lessons and keeps them focused.

• Get your kids involved in household chores. This helps them grow in character development and responsibility.
• At meals, talk about tough choices or right and wrong. This helps with moral education.
• At bedtime, read stories about good behavior or talk about the day. This helps with teaching values and guiding principles.

By making virtues a part of your family’s daily life, you build a strong moral foundation. This will help your kids throughout their lives.

The Benefits of Raising a Virtuous Child

Teaching virtues to children brings many benefits that last a lifetime. Parents who focus on character development, teaching values, and moral education help their kids deal with life’s challenges. This way, they grow up to be resilient, empathetic, and honest.

One key benefit is how it improves their relationships and social skills. Virtuous kids tend to make deeper connections, solve problems better, and feel part of a community. This helps them find happiness and work well with others, whether at school or in their future careers.

Also, virtues help a child’s overall well-being. Kids with strong moral values make better choices, handle stress, and find their purpose. This approach to character building can lead to better mental health, more resilience, and self-control. These are crucial for facing today’s world.