“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
Bible Verses About Children
The Value of Children
We often hear how precious children are, not just in our lives but in the eyes of God. The Bible speaks explicitly of the value of children, emphasizing that they are a gift from the Lord. When we cherish and nurture our children, we reflect the love that God has for all of us. Recognizing the worth of children helps us to understand our role in guiding and supporting them as they grow. It encourages us to create an environment where they can thrive and feel loved. Truly, children bring joy and purpose to our lives, and it is our sacred duty to protect and nurture them.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
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
Mark 10:16
“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16
Luke 18:16
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” – Luke 18:16
God’s Love for Children
As we explore the definitions of love throughout the Scriptures, we find God’s immense love for all, especially for children. He cares deeply for them and desires that they know His love. This love is unconditional and infinite, setting an example for us as we interact with children in our lives. We must mirror this divine love in our relationships by teaching, nurturing, and supporting children in their faith. Loving children not only brings us closer to God but also enriches the younger generation as they learn to love through our actions.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
Mark 9:37
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” – Mark 9:37
Isaiah 54:13
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” – Isaiah 54:13
Matthew 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” – Matthew 10:42
Guidance and Discipline
As we raise children, we are called to guide them and sometimes discipline them in love. The Bible offers wisdom on how to instruct children in ways that help them become wise and loving individuals. Discipline is not just about correction; it is about teaching and guiding them toward the path of righteousness. Our aim is to impart values that foster a strong moral compass and a loving heart. We should remember that guidance infused with love leads children to embrace God and develop meaningful relationships with others throughout their lives.
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” – Proverbs 29:17
Hebrews 12:11
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” – Proverbs 13:24
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
Teaching Children About God
Teaching children about God is one of the most important missions we can embark on. As parents, educators, or mentors, we have the profound opportunity to share the stories of faith and lessons of love found in Scripture. By engaging children’s curiosity and sense of wonder, we can help them to develop a personal relationship with God. Fostering an ongoing conversation about faith helps lay a solid foundation where they can build their lives in alignment with God’s teachings. May we help them to thrive spiritually as they grow.
Deuteronomy 6:7
“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 6:7
2 Timothy 3:15
“And how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:15
Titus 2:4
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.” – Titus 2:4
Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” – Psalm 78:4
Proverbs 1:8
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” – Proverbs 1:8
Children as Examples of Faith
Children serve as powerful examples of faith for us. Their trust and belief in the unseen can inspire us to have a childlike faith as adults. We are reminded through their innocence and pure hearts of the joy that comes from believing. If we closely observe how children approach life with curiosity and hope, we see a glimpse of how we should also exhibit faith in our relationships with God. We can learn so much about remaining open to God’s guidance and the wonders He wants to show us through the perspective of a child.
Matthew 18:3
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” – Matthew 18:3
1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” – 1 Peter 2:2
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
Psalm 8:2
“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” – Psalm 8:2
Luke 10:21
“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.'” – Luke 10:21
Protection Over Children
As we reflect on our calling to protect children, we find numerous scriptures that speak to God’s desire for their safety and well-being. We are called to ensure children feel secure in our presence and that they are shielded from harm. This protection is both physical and spiritual as we teach them to lean on God for their strength and courage. Just as God is a protector, we should inspire children to trust Him always, knowing He is their refuge and strength.
Psalm 91:11
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:11
Matthew 18:14
“In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” – Matthew 18:14
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 34:7
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” – Psalm 34:7
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
Final Thoughts
As we explore the topic of children in the Bible, it becomes clear that they hold a special place in God’s heart. They are not just blessings, but crucial part of our journey in faith. We are reminded of our roles in their lives, guiding them toward wisdom and instilling love within them. The Scriptures teach us the importance of nurturing their spiritual growth while reflecting God’s love in our actions.
We have examined how to protect, discipline, and teach children, always noting their simple yet profound understanding of faith. Each verse reveals God’s unwavering support for children and our responsibility to ensure they know that love. By observing their innocent faith, we rekindle our own trust in God, learning valuable lessons from their hearts.
As we reflect on all these beautiful insights about children, I encourage us to continue to explore and learn further about God’s intentions. For those interested, I suggest reading more about God’s promises in Jeremiah 31:3-4 and the teachings about humility in Matthew 18:1-5. Let us honor our children while growing together in faith.