“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
Childlike Trust
When Jesus invites us to have faith like a child, He is highlighting the importance of trusting God wholeheartedly. Children have a natural ability to trust their parents, caregivers, and those in authority. Their faith is pure and unblemished by skepticism or doubt. We, too, are called to cultivate a relationship with our Heavenly Father that reflects that trust. This childlike faith allows us to lean on God without hesitance, knowing that He has our best interests at heart. As we navigate life’s challenges, we can remember that we are His beloved children, valued and cherished in His eyes.
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 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
John 6:37
“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” – John 6:37
Psalm 131:2
“But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” – Psalm 131:2
Innocence of Belief
The purity of a child’s belief serves as a reminder for us to approach our faith with the same innocence. Children do not worry about how God operates; they simply believe that He is capable of miracles. This simplicity is a beautiful aspect of faith. We must strive to shed our adult doubts and fears that complicate our relationship with God. Instead, let us embrace the bright, unassuming trust that comes naturally to children. Our faith flourishes when we exude such innocence, believing wholeheartedly in God’s promises and His goodness.
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Isaiah 43:4
“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” – Isaiah 43:4
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Mathew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22
Joy of Discovery
Children find joy in discovery, and this is something we can learn from them as we grow in our faith. Every new experience stimulates their curiosity, whether it’s a simple event or a profound moment. We should relish in our walk with God in the same way. Each step we take in faith opens doors for new revelations about His character. When God takes us on a new adventure in faith, we must embrace the exploration rather than treating it as a chore. Just like joyous children, let us approach God with excitement and anticipation.
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Psalms 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalms 139:14
Acts 17:27
“God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” – Acts 17:27
Acceptance of Forgiveness
Children have an incredible ability to forgive and accept forgiveness readily. They don’t hold onto grudges or harbor anger towards others for long. They recognize the beauty of second chances and live in the moment. Our understanding of God’s forgiveness must resonate at that level. When we acknowledge that God forgives us, we can reciprocate that grace to those around us. This aspect of childlike faith allows us to experience freedom from guilt and restore our relationships with others and God.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” – Luke 17:3-4
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Unity in Community
Children thrive in the warmth of their communities, supporting each other in both good times and bad. They rely on friends and family for strength and encouragement. As followers of Christ, we are challenged to embody this same spirit of unity. We must support one another and cultivate a community of love and faith. Our shared faith is a powerful testimony to the world and a source of encouragement for each other. Through unity, we create an environment where childlike faith can flourish, enriching our spiritual journey.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Imagination in Prayer
Children often have wild imaginations and are unafraid to express them. When they pray, they speak openly and without fear, sharing their dreams, concerns, and desires. They see no limits to what God can do. We can learn from their vivid willingness to connect with God in prayer and share our hearts freely. Embracing this creativity will lead to deeper, more personal prayer lives as we express our needs and fulfillings in God’s presence. Let us approach prayer with an imaginative heart, believing that God hears us and desires our conversation.
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
1 Chronicles 4:10
“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!'” – 1 Chronicles 4:10
John 14:13
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” – John 14:13
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
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
Final Thoughts
Having faith like a child encourages us to cultivate trust, embrace innocence, and always seek forgiveness. It invites us to share our joy in discovering God’s presence and to remain connected with our community. Like children, we should pray openly and imaginatively, embracing our unique relationship with God. Our spiritual growth flourishes in a heart that is ready to be supportive, forgiving, and full of hope.
Let us remember that embracing childlike faith not only enriches our personal relationships with God but also strengthens our bonds with others. We are called to build one another up in faith, just as a loving family would do.
May we all strive to learn from children and embody that faith in our everyday lives. For more inspiration, feel free to explore our articles on love and children or read about Jesus loving children.