Answering Your Kids' Big Questions About God

Kids ask the best questions, often at the most unexpected times: in the car, at bedtime, or in the middle of the grocery store. "Who made God?" "Why did Grandma die?" "Can God see me right now?" These moments are golden opportunities to teach about faith.

1 Peter 3:15: "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

It's okay not to know everything

Deuteronomy 29:29: "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children."

Some things God has told us clearly. Some things are mysteries. It's okay to say, "That's a great question. I don't know everything, but here's what the Bible tells us."

Simple answers to big questions

"Who made God?"
"Nobody made God. God has always been here, and He always will be. Everything else needed someone to make it, but God is different. He's the One who made everything."

"Where is God?"
"God is everywhere at the same time. We can't see Him with our eyes, but He's always with us, even right now." (Psalm 139:7–10)

"Does God hear me when I pray?"
"Yes! God always hears you, even when you pray quietly in your heart. He loves when you talk to Him."

"Why do bad things happen?"
"Our world is broken because people chose to turn away from God. That's why there's sickness and sadness. But God is with us in hard times, and one day Jesus will make everything new and there won't be any more crying." (Revelation 21:4)

"Why can't I see God?"
"God is a spirit, so we can't see Him the way we see people. But we can see what He does, like the beautiful world He made and the way He takes care of us. And Jesus showed us exactly what God is like."

"Does God love me when I'm bad?"
"Always. God's love doesn't stop when we make mistakes. When we say sorry, He forgives us."

"Is heaven real?"
"Yes! Jesus said He's getting a place ready for us (John 14:2). It's a place with God where there's no sadness or pain."

Tips for answering well

• Keep it short. Answer the question they asked, then let them ask more.
• Ask what they think first: "What do you think?"
• Look it up together in the Bible.
• Welcome questions. "I love that you asked that!"

Many big questions come up at bedtime. A soft Christian night light can make those tender conversations feel safe, and our kids' Christian apparel keeps the conversation going during the day.

A prayer

Lord, give me wisdom to answer my children's questions with truth and gentleness. When I don't know the answer, help me point them to You. Let their curiosity grow into a lifelong faith. Amen.