“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
Understanding God’s Love for Children
We must understand just how precious children are in God’s sight. In the Bible, we often see Jesus speaking about children with deep love and tenderness. He even tells us that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children. This shows us that God embraces their innocence and purity. When we face the difficult topic of children’s death, it can be heart-wrenching. However, we can find comfort in knowing that God loves our children even more than we do. He has a special place for them within His kingdom, reminding us that their lives—however brief—are significant and filled with purpose. God invites us to trust Him in our grief and to lean on His love. This assurance helps ease our pain as we seek to understand the mystery of life and death.
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 18:17
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:17
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart…” – Jeremiah 1:5
Finding Comfort in Sorrow
We all experience sorrow in our lives, especially when we have to deal with the loss of a child. It feels unbearable at times, and our hearts ache with grief. Nevertheless, we can lean on the promises God has made to us. The Bible tells us that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. This shows us that we are never alone in our pain. God walks with us through the valleys of sorrow, bringing comfort and hope. While we may not have all the answers, we can find solace in the arms of our Father who understands our pain and sorrow.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
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
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.” – Isaiah 41:10
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort…” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
The Hope of Eternal Life
As we mourn the loss of our precious ones, we can hold tight to the hope of eternal life. The belief in eternal life is a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that death is not the end. Jesus reassured us that those who believe in Him will live, even if they die. We find peace in knowing that our children are safe in God’s arms and free from the pains of this world. This hope brings light into our darkness, assuring us that we will see our loved ones again. Embracing this promise can help heal our hearts and sustain us through the journey of grief.
John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…'” – John 11:25-26
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
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…” – Romans 8:38-39
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Revelation 7:17
“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” – Revelation 7:17
The Gift of Grief
When we experience the loss of a child, we embark on a unique journey of grief. Though it is painful, it is also a gift in various ways. Grief allows us to process our feelings and reflect on the lives of our loved ones. It encourages us to appreciate the moments we shared and brings us closer to God as we seek comfort in prayer and scripture. Mourning can be a pathway to healing and renewal, helping us to grow in faith and love. While we may find ourselves in sorrow, we also discover how deeply we are loved and supported by God and our community.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
John 16:22
“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” – John 16:22
Psalms 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
Isaiah 53:4
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.” – Isaiah 53:4
Hebrews 4:15-16
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are…” – Hebrews 4:15-16
Assurance of God’s Presence
When we are confronted with the devastating loss of a child, we might feel abandoned or alone. However, the Bible reassures us that God is always present, even in our darkest times. His promise is that He will never leave us or forsake us. We can take comfort knowing that He walks beside us, providing strength and encouragement. Understanding that God cares for us deeply helps ease our pain and encourages us to lean on Him. In prayer and scripture, we can experience His comforting presence, which is our refuge and strength.
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you…” – Isaiah 43:2
Matthew 28:20
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…” – Philippians 4:6-7
Moving Forward with Hope
As we move forward in life after experiencing the heartache of losing a child, we are reminded to carry hope in our hearts. We can remember the joys and beautiful moments shared with them, celebrating their lives instead of solely mourning their loss. God invites us to trust in His plan, knowing that He is working all things together for good. While we continue to grieve, we can also engage in acts of love and kindness, honoring the legacy of our children. This allows their memory to live on in ways that reflect the love of Christ in our lives.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…” – Hebrews 12:1-2
Isaiah 61:3
“…and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning…” – Isaiah 61:3
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Final Thoughts
In facing the heartache of a child’s death, we remember that God holds our loved ones close. He loves children immeasurably and assures us they are safe in His care. Our grief is a natural response to such profound loss, but it’s important to find comfort in God’s promises and presence. The assurance of eternal life brings us hope and reminds us that death is not the end. We can cherish the memories of our children, allowing their impact to live on in love and kindness. As we process our feelings, let’s lean on God’s strength, knowing He walks with us every step of the way.
If you’d like to explore more, you can read about love and death or learn about the difficult topic of killing children. There are many valuable insights in the Word that may also ease your heart.