Children are a gift from God. The Bible speaks about them with love, importance, and responsibility. God calls children a blessing and instructs parents and communities to nurture them with wisdom and care. Let’s explore what the Bible says about children and how we should treat them.
Children Are a Blessing from God
The Bible makes it clear that children are a reward from the Lord. They are not a burden but a joy. Psalm 127:3-5 says:
"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." (Psalm 127:3-5, NIV)
This verse reminds us that children are not just a responsibility but a source of great blessing. God entrusts them to parents to love and guide them in His ways.
The Role of Parents in Raising Children
God commands parents to train their children with wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 22:6 states:
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6, NIV)
Parents are called to teach their children about God’s truth and help them build a strong foundation of faith.
Ephesians 6:4 provides a balance between discipline and love:
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4, NIV)
This verse shows that discipline should be done with love and patience, not harshness or anger.
Jesus’ Love for Children
Jesus showed special care for children. In Matthew 19:14, He told His disciples:
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14, NIV)
Jesus valued children and used them as examples of faith. He said in Matthew 18:3:
"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3, NIV)
Children have a pure and trusting faith that God desires in all believers.
The Responsibility of Teaching Children God’s Word
The Bible emphasizes the importance of teaching children about God’s commandments. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says:
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV)
This means that learning about God should be a daily practice, woven into everyday life.
God’s Protection Over Children
God watches over children and cares for their well-being. In Isaiah 49:15, God compares His love for His people to a mother’s love for her child:
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" (Isaiah 49:15, NIV)
This verse shows God’s deep and unwavering love for His children.
Warnings Against Mistreating Children
The Bible also warns against harming children. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus gives a strong warning:
"If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." (Matthew 18:6, NIV)
God takes the care of children seriously and expects adults to protect them.
Teaching Children to Obey and Honor Parents
Children are also given instructions in the Bible. One of the Ten Commandments says:
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12, NIV)
Ephesians 6:1-3 reinforces this by saying:
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:1-3, NIV)
Children are called to respect and obey their parents, which brings blessings.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches that children are a precious gift from God. They should be loved, protected, and taught in the ways of the Lord. Parents have a responsibility to guide them with wisdom, and children are called to honor their parents. Above all, God deeply loves every child and desires for them to know Him.
