You Have often heard me talk about Mary-Beth being my spiritual daughter, so what does having a Spiritual Daughter mean. It is a Sacred Trust that has been Entrusted to Me.
I did not seek the title of spiritual parent, nor did I imagine the depth of responsibility it would carry. Yet in the quiet work of God, a spiritual daughter was entrusted to my care, not by blood, but by calling. What began as prayer and obedience grew into a sacred bond, one I recognize now as a holy stewardship placed in my hands by the Lord Himself.
I came to understand that this relationship was not about authority or position, but about faithfulness. God did not ask me to shape her according to my will, but to walk with her as He revealed His will. I was called to pray more than I spoke, to listen more than I instructed, and to trust the Holy Spirit to do the work only He can accomplish.
My role was never to replace God’s voice, but to echo His truth with humility and love. Through this journey, Scripture came alive in new ways. I saw reflections of Paul’s care for Timothy, of Naomi’s guidance of Ruth, of Elijah’s faithful investment in Elisha. These were not relationships built on control, but on a scriptural care relationship where faith was nurtured through presence, patience, and example.
In walking alongside my spiritual daughter, I learned that discipleship is as much about surrender as it is about guidance. There were seasons of joy and seasons of pain. Moments when growth was visible and moments when progress could only be trusted to God. At times, I felt the weight of responsibility deeply, aware that every word spoken and every silence held could either strengthen or wound. Yet, in that awareness, I found myself drawn closer to prayer, more dependent on grace, and more mindful of my own walk with Christ.
This sacred bond has shaped me as much as it has shaped Mary-Beth. In seeking to encourage her faith, my own faith was refined. In offering counsel, I was reminded to seek God’s wisdom first. Spiritual daughterhood revealed to me that God often teaches us through those we are called to guide, and that true leadership in the Kingdom is marked by service, love, and faithfulness. I hold this calling with reverence, knowing it belongs ultimately to God.
My prayer is that this relationship remains anchored in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and guarded by love. And may it bear fruit not for recognition or legacy, but for the glory of God and the fulfillment of His purposes in both our lives
So, Friends, today let us find out what the Holy Bible has to say about this subject because I am not addressing a light or secondary matter as you can tell from what I have just said. I am speaking of something that touches the very heart of God. From eternity, God has desired a family. Creation itself was an act of fatherhood, and redemption is the restoration of that family through Jesus Christ.
In our generation, we live in a paradox. We are more connected technologically than any generation before us, yet spiritually, many are isolated, disconnected, and orphaned. Churches are full, sermons are preached, worship is sung but many believers are left without spiritual guidance, affirmation, or covering.
God never intended His people to grow alone. Faith was always meant to be lived in relationships. The Kingdom of God advances not only through proclamation, but through spiritual reproduction, lives shaped by lives, hearts formed by hearts. One of the most powerful expressions of this reproduction is the raising of spiritual sons and daughters. These are men and women who are not merely attendees, but disciples; not merely converts, but carriers of God’s presence; not merely followers, but future leaders. Jesus Himself redefined family when He said: “Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50) With that declaration, Jesus announced that spiritual relationships would carry eternal weight. Today, the Church must rediscover this truth.
Before we can speak of spiritual daughters or sons, we must speak of God as Father. Every healthy spiritual relationship flows out of a correct understanding of who God is. Scripture proclaims: “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18) This is not symbolic language. This is scriptural language. God binds Himself to His people with the commitment of a Father. He provides, protects, corrects, and remains present.
Many believers struggle to become spiritual parents because they themselves have never fully embraced their identity as sons and daughters of God. When identity is insecure, authority becomes abusive. But when identity is rooted in God, authority becomes nurturing. A spiritual parent must parent from wholeness, not from need. From security, not from fear. From love, not from control. The Apostle Paul writes: “For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 4:15) Paul is not using poetic exaggeration. He is describing spiritual reality.
Spiritual daughters and sons are not recruited they are born. And birth always involves labor. Paul tells us in Galatians: “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” (Galatians 4:19) Spiritual parenting requires sacrifice, patience, and perseverance. It requires walking with people through immaturity, failure, doubt, and growth. This is not glamorous work, but it is holy work. A spiritual daughter or son is a man or woman whom God connects to a mature believer for intentional discipleship. This connection is recognized spiritually, affirmed mutually, and governed by biblical boundaries.
Paul clarifies spiritual authority: “Not that we have dominion over your faith but are fellow workers for your joy.” (2 Corinthians 1:24) A spiritual daughter or son is never possessed. They are stewarded. They are never silenced. They are strengthened. They are never diminished. They are developed. True spiritual parenting empowers sons and daughters to hear God for themselves, not to replace God’s voice.
The story of Naomi and Ruth unfolds in the context of loss, famine, and displacement. Naomi did not choose Ruth out of convenience; she walked with her through suffering. Ruth declared: “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:16) Naomi taught Ruth how to trust God in uncertainty, how to live righteously in a foreign land, and how to recognize divine opportunity. Because of Naomi’s guidance, Ruth entered into God’s redemptive plan.
Spiritual sons and daughters are more often than not forged in seasons of hardship. Spiritual parents must remain faithful in those seasons. Scripture tells us: “Mordecai had brought up Esther.” Mordecai shaped Esther long before she stepped into public influence. When the crisis came, Esther had already been formed in prayer, wisdom, and courage. Destiny without formation leads to destruction. Spiritual daughters and sons must be prepared privately before they are positioned publicly.
When Jesus called the healed woman "Daughter," He restored what society had stripped away. “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” (Mark 5:34) Jesus did not merely heal bodies; He healed identities.
Every spiritual son or daughter must first know they belong. After the resurrection, Jesus entrusted Mary Magdalene with the message of victory: “Go to My brethren and say to them…” (John 20:17) God entrusts revelation to those He restores. Jesus commanded: “Go therefore and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19) Discipleship is not mass production it is relational investment. Paul reinforces this through Titus2:3–5): “That the older women admonish the young women.”
This is God’s design for spiritual sons and daughters. Spiritual parents must love patiently, teach faithfully, and pray persistently. “Love is patient, love is kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16) “I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” (Galatians 4:19) Spiritual daughters and sons must remain teachable and pursue maturity. “Receive with meekness the implanted word.” (James 1:21) “Till we all come… to a mature person.” (Ephesians 4:13)
Many women and men come wounded by abandonment, neglect, or abuse. God promises: “A father of the fatherless… is God.” (Psalm 68:5) Spiritual family becomes the context for healing. “Whom the Lord loves He corrects.” (Hebrews 12:6) Correction is proof of love. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Spiritual parents rejoice when daughters and sons exceed them. “Commit these to faithful people who will teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
Spiritual daughters and sons become spiritual mothers and fathers. Friends, God is restoring spiritual families. The Church must rise to raise daughters and sons who know who they are in Christ, who walk in holiness, and who carry the gospel with courage. “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God.” (Romans 8:14)
Let us Pray. Lord, source of all life and every good gift, we come before You with grateful hearts, lifting up the spiritual daughters and sons You have placed within our care. They are not ours by possession, but Yours by creation and redemption. We thank You for the sacred trust of walking alongside them, nurturing what You are forming, and witnessing Your hand at work in their lives. Lord, as You spoke through the psalmist, “Children are a heritage from the Lord” we receive these sons and daughters as a holy inheritance. Shape them in the likeness of Christ. Write Your truth upon their hearts, that they may delight in Your ways and walk in obedience, not out of fear, but out of love.
Father, plant them deeply in Your Word. Let them be like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season, whose leaves do not wither. When the storms of doubt, temptation, or suffering arise, anchor them in the unshakable hope found in Jesus. Guard their hearts and minds with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding.
Holy Spirit come near to them. Teach them to recognize Your voice above all others. Convict where correction is needed, comfort where wounds remain and empower them with spiritual gifts for the work of ministry. Ignite within them a bold and holy faith, one that does not shrink back, but presses forward with perseverance and trust.
Lord, for those called to be spiritual mothers and fathers, grant wisdom beyond our own understanding. Keep us humble, teachable, and dependent upon You. Help us to reflect Paul’s heart when he said, “We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children” Give us grace to speak truth in love, patience to walk at their pace, and joy to celebrate their growth, even when it leads them beyond us. Heal what is broken in them Lord, wounds from the past, disappointments, fear, and rejection. Remind them that in You they are fully known and fully loved. Restore their identity as sons and daughters of the Most High, co-heirs with Christ, chosen and set apart for Your purposes.
Send them out, Lord, in Your perfect timing. May they carry the light of Christ into dark places, the compassion of Jesus into wounded hearts, and the power of the Spirit into a world longing for hope. Let their lives proclaim the gospel not only in word, but in love, humility, and faithfulness. We place them once more into Your hands, trusting Your promise: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). And May Your name be glorified through their lives, from generation to generation. In the holy and mighty name of Jesus.
Amen.
