Whether you’re a new parent or have children of all ages, leaving them a legacy may be on your mind. You want your legacy to bring your family closer to God, and a great place to start is by creating a family bible. You may even want to create a legacy bible for each family member. A family bible reminds your children you’re always with them while also helping them to focus on their relationship with the Lord.

If you’re not sure how to start a family bible, I have some tips that can help you create something special for your loved ones.

What is a Family Bible

A family or legacy bible is a personalized bible. This doesn’t mean the scripture is covered with pictures of your child. Instead, there’s something special about the bible that speaks to the owner.

The personalized bible helps to connect your children with memories of you after you’re gone. Whenever they want to talk to you, they can pick up the bible and feel a little closer to you. God’s word is powerful and will help your children cope with your loss while also providing the guidance you can no longer give.

Some legacy bibles include family trees. These Bibles are typically passed down from one generation to the next. Some Bibles have been in a family for generations. Other families are just starting yours. Along with a family tree, you can write special messages on the pages. Highlight verses that are special to you, and some family bibles contain special letters and photographs.

A family bible encourages the owner to read and study the scripture so they can apply God’s word to their life.

How To Start A Family Bible

Starting a family bible isn’t difficult. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. When it comes to how much time you spend, this is up to you. However, the more time you spend creating the bible, the closer you’ll feel to the Lord.

You will need a Bible. Any version is fine, but most people are more familiar with the King James version. If you go with another version, God’s message remains the same. The primary difference is the wording and interpretation. Other versions I recommend are American Standard and the New King James versions.

Bring Your Family In

Creating a legacy or family bible doesn’t have to be a solo project. Letting everyone participate can bring you closer together as a family. If your goal is to leave your children a legacy bible so they can feel close to you after you’re gone, spending time together can create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Let everyone choose their favorite bible verses. Don’t limit their options to either the Old or New Testament. The goal is to make everyone in the family feel like they’re a part of the project. You may even want to highlight some verses that speak directly to the family as a whole.

Here are ten inspirational Bible verses that may speak to your family.

1. “Honor your father and your mother so that your life will be long on the fertile land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12
2. “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem, you will be comforted.” Isaiah 66:13
3. “Parents, don’t provoke your children in a way that ends up discouraging them.” Colossians 3:21
4. “My son, keep your father’s command; don’t abandon your mother’s instruction.” Proverbs 6:20
5. “Those who say, ‘I love God’ and hate their brothers or sisters are liars. After all, those who don’t love their brothers or sisters whom they have seen can hardly love God whom they have not seen!” 1 John 4:20
6. “Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other.” Colossians 3:13
7. “As for parents, don’t provoke your children to anger, but raise them with discipline and instruction about the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
8. “But if someone doesn’t provide for their own family, and especially for a member of their household, they have denied the faith. They are worse than those who have no faith.” 1 Timothy 5:8
9. “Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one.” Psalm 133:1
10. “No doubt about it: children are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a divine reward. The children born when one is young are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. The person who fills a quiver full of them is truly happy! They won’t be ashamed when arguing with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5

These are only examples of bible verses you may want to include. As you highlight each verse that’s special to your family, spend some time together studying the words and discussing what it means to them.

When to Start a Family Bible

There’s never a wrong time to learn how to start a family bible. You can wait until your children are older or start creating one before they’re born. All that matters is you choose a time that feels right for you.

Your legacy bible may even be a work in progress for years, and that’s okay. There’s no set time for when you should finish or gift it to your children. Some family bibles are only passed down after a death. Others are given as a present on a special occasion. The event can be a birthday or graduation. Family bibles are also given as wedding presents or when a child moves into their first home. Sometimes, the best time to gift a family bible is when the recipient is going through a trying time. The word of God can help them cope through the darkest time.

Leave Your Children the Gift of the Lord

A family bible can bring everyone closer to each other and God. Whether it’s a family project or a special surprise you’re working on, a legacy bible is an extension of your faith in God. This is something that should always be shared.