“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
Embracing Childlike Faith
When we think about being like a child, one of the first things that comes to mind is childlike faith. This kind of faith means trusting God wholeheartedly and believing in His goodness. Children have a natural ability to trust without question, and as we grow in our faith, we are called to adopt this same trust. It’s about shedding our worries and doubts and embracing a belief that God truly has our best interests at heart. As we embrace this childlike nature, we strengthen our relationship with God and open ourselves up to His love and grace.
Mark 10:14
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” – Mark 10:14
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
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 1:12
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
The Joy of Being a Child
Children carry an infectious joy that brings light to those around them. As we reflect on the way children experience joy, we understand that our faith should be rooted in joy as well. Embracing the joy of being like a child allows us to see the beauty in the world around us and express gratitude for our blessings. God calls us to rejoice in all situations, and this joy is a vital part of our walk with Him. Let us allow that childlike spirit of joy to flourish in our lives.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
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
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” – Proverbs 17:6
Psalms 34:11
“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” – Psalms 34:11
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8
Innocence and Humility
Another beautiful aspect of being like a child lies in their innocence and humility. Children approach life with an open heart and a readiness to learn. When we take on this childlike innocence, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable before God and others. This vulnerability nurtures humility, reminding us that we are constantly learning and growing in our spiritual journey. Through humility, we can connect deeply with God and those around us.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
Psalms 116:6
“The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.” – Psalms 116:6
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” – Romans 12:16
Learning from Children
Children possess an eagerness to learn that can spark inspiration in our hearts. Their curiosity drives them to discover the truth, and as we strive to be like a child, we are reminded to pursue knowledge and understanding with the same enthusiasm. Learning means growing closer to God and His Word. Let us take on this attitude of lifelong learning and be open to the new revelations that God has in store for us.
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” – Proverbs 1:5
Psalms 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalms 119:105
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
Isaiah 11:2
“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.” – Isaiah 11:2
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
The Power of Forgiveness
Children easily forgive and forget, and they teach us the importance of releasing grudges. Holding onto bitterness hinders our spiritual growth and creates barriers in our relationships. When we adopt a childlike spirit, we learn to forgive more freely, just as God forgives us. This act of forgiveness frees us to experience joy and love in our lives, strengthening our bond with others and nurturing our walk with Christ.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in 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
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
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
Receiving God’s Love
As we consider being like a child, we must also reflect on our ability to receive God’s love. Children naturally accept love and affection, and we are called to do the same. By opening our hearts and minds to God’s love, we become more empowered to share that love with others. It’s through understanding His love for us that we can build deeper connections with our families, friends, and fellow believers.
Romans 5:5
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:5
John 16:27
“No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.” – John 16:27
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Final Thoughts
We have looked at how being like a child is integral to our Christian faith. Embracing childlike faith, joy, innocence, and a willingness to learn helps us grow closer to God. The ability to forgive, receive love, and maintain humility are all vital aspects of our spiritual journey. Let us cultivate this childlike spirit and allow it to flourish in our lives as we walk alongside God. By nurturing these qualities in ourselves, we can build stronger relationships with others while reflecting the love of Christ.
I encourage you to explore more about the value of children in scripture, which can be found in these verses about children. You may also find inspiration and guidance in verses for little ones. May we all carry the light of childlike faith as we move forward in our journey.
May God bless you and guide you in cultivating a heart like a child!