“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
Embracing Childlike Faith
In our walk with Christ, we often look toward the purity and simple trust that children exhibit. Childlike faith is a theme echoed throughout the Bible, reminding us of how essential it is to approach God with openness and trust. Just as a child relies on their parent for guidance and love, we are called to lean on our Heavenly Father, trusting Him completely. This uncomplicated faith allows us to embrace God’s goodness with joy and sincere love.
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 18:16
“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
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 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! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” – 1 John 3:1
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
The Importance of Innocence
When we speak of childlike innocence, we reflect on the purity that resides in children. Innocence is precious; it allows children to experience joy and love authentically. This quality is what God invites us to regain. In a world that can often be harsh, the unblemished hearts of children reflect the love and grace God desires for us. By embracing childlike innocence, we make space for compassion and gentle interactions, lightening both our hearts and those around us.
Psalms 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalms 51:10
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
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
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
Teaching Childlike Values
As we cultivate childlike innocence within ourselves, we become more attuned to key values such as honesty, kindness, and humility. These values are abundant in children, who view the world with wonder and expectation. By embodying these characteristics, we contribute to an environment where love and acceptance flourish. Teaching these values to our children and nurturing them in our lives opens our hearts toward meaningful connections and genuine interactions with others.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1
Proverbs 15:32
“Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.” – Proverbs 15:32
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Experiencing Joy in Simplicity
Children are often filled with awe and wonder about the world around them. They find joy in simple things—a smile, a flower, or a sunny day. This perspective is something we can adopt as we learn to appreciate God’s creation and blessings. By focusing on the beauty and simplicity that life offers, we can cultivate gratitude and happiness in our hearts. Finding joy in the little things invites us to experience life through a lens of innocence.
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
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Ecclesiastes 3:12
“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12
Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
The Call to Become Like Children
Jesus invites us to become like children in our faith. This call is not just for the young, but for all of us, urging us to recapture that spirit of wonder and reliance on God. We are encouraged to let go of our adult concerns and fears, approaching God with sincerity and humility. By shedding the weight of adult worries, we can experience life through a childlike lens, leading us to deeper faith and connection with our Creator.
Matthew 18:4
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:4
Luke 6:20
“Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” – Luke 6:20
Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
Philippians 2:15
“So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” – Philippians 2:15
Building a Community with Childlike Hearts
As we embrace childlike innocence, we have the opportunity to build a community characterized by love, support, and encouragement. Children inspire us to include everyone, regardless of their background or differences. This spirit should guide us as we create bonds within our church and families. Together, we can cultivate environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and loved, reflecting the heart of God in our community.
Hebrews 13:1
“Let mutual love continue.” – Hebrews 13:1
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on childlike innocence teaches us valuable lessons in our faith. By embracing childlike faith, we discover the beauty of simple trust in God. Innocence reminds us to view the world positively, fostering joy and appreciation for the little things. These traits guide us in nurturing a loving community, ultimately leading us to live out God’s love daily.
Let us encourage our children and ourselves to embody these values that represent the heart of God. Together, we can create a supportive environment that reflects childlike innocence, opening doors for genuine connections and deep faith.
As we delve deeper, I invite you to explore more topics about our special bond with Jesus and children. Check out these passages on love and children and Jesus loving children.