“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” – Matthew 18:1-3
Bible Verses About Being Like Children
The Importance of Humility
When we think about being like children, we are inviting humility into our lives. Children often exemplify a beautiful simplicity and pure-heartedness that we, as adults, can sometimes forget. They do not hold onto pride or pretensions. Instead, they are open, trusting, and reliant on love and care. As we reflect on these qualities, we see how vital they are to our faith. Just as children rely on their parents, we too are called to trust in God’s guidance and love. This trust enables us to humble ourselves, allowing us to grow closer to God.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
Childlike Faith
As we strive to be like children, we embrace the power of childlike faith. Children tend to believe deeply in the love and protection of their parents. This kind of trust can reflect our relationship with God. He desires for us to approach Him with the same genuine and fearless trust—knowing that He is capable of taking care of all our needs. Childlike faith leads us to experience joy, wonder, and assurance in God’s promises. It helps us believe that God can work miracles in our lives and those around us.
Mark 10:15
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Mark 10:15
Luke 18:17
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:17
Matthew 21:16
“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” – Matthew 21:16
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
1 John 5:14
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14
The Value of Innocence
Children often appear innocent, free from the burdens that many grown-ups carry. This innocence reflects a pure heart that genuinely loves without judgment. As believers, we are invited to adopt this aspect of innocence in our walk with God. By shedding the judgments and grudges that can weigh us down, we create a spirit of love within us that shines brightly. Being like children allows us the opportunity to view one another through the lens of grace, kindness, and compassion.
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Romans 16:19
“Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” – Romans 16:19
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, ‘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
1 Corinthians 14:20
“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20
Love and Connection
As children, we find it easy to form connections with those around us, often shared through laughter and play. Love thrives in these connections. As we aspire to be like children, we can cultivate a spirit of community and love that echoes through our relationships. God calls us to love each other deeply and be connected as a family in Christ. Through these bonds, we find support, joy, and a sense of belonging within the body of Christ. Let’s create connections that reflect the love of God to those around us.
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
1 Thessalonians 4:9
“Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9
Receiving God’s Kingdom
Being like children reminds us that receiving God’s kingdom is a gift. It is not something we can earn or achieve through our own efforts. A child embraces gifts with open hands, trusting that what is offered is good. In recognizing that we enter God’s kingdom not by our striving but through grace, we experience a profound sense of peace. Let us open our hearts with the expectation that God’s love and grace will change our lives, just as it does for children. We are welcomed into God’s family purely by His amazing grace.
Luke 12:32
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32
Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” – Matthew 13:44
Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” – Revelation 21:4
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
Hebrews 12:28
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28
Living in the Moment
Engaging with the world as children do teaches us the beauty of living in the moment. Often, we get caught up in our worries and the busyness of life, but children show us how to be present and to enjoy the little things. Jesus encourages us in this way, imploring us to not worry about tomorrow. Instead, we should appreciate each moment and trust that God will provide for our needs. Let us embrace life’s simple joys and look for God’s presence in our daily experiences.
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Final Thoughts
As we explore what it means to be like children, we discover invaluable lessons about humility, faith, and love. Embracing a childlike spirit fosters a deep connection with God. Understanding our need for His guidance and care helps us realize the importance of trust in our daily lives. By showcasing innocence, pureness of heart, and being present, we can reflect God’s love in our interactions with others. The joy we can find in community, along with the beauty of receiving God’s kingdom, reminds us of the freedom and grace God offers.
We are encouraged to maintain our childlike perspective as we walk in our faith journey. This means living with love for one another and fostering connections that bring us closer to God and each other. As we navigate our lives, let us remember the importance of being open to God’s will, confident in His promises, and eager to experience the simple joys of each day.
Let’s take these lessons to heart and share them within our communities. We can uplift one another as we delve deeper into faith. If you want to learn more about this topic, consider exploring Matthew 18:1-5 and Matthew 19:14. Together, we can grow in our understanding of God’s love and grace.