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
Importance of Childlike Faith
When we consider children’s faith, we often think of its simplicity and purity. Children have a natural trust that can teach us so much about our personal relationships with God. They do not overthink their beliefs or the world around them; they simply trust what they are told. This childlike faith is the model for us as believers. The Bible emphasizes that we should approach our faith with such innocence and openness, allowing God to work within us without the clutter of doubt that can take root in adulthood. We should strive to return to that state of unwavering trust and belief in our Creator.
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
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 21:15-16
“But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant. ‘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 21:15-16
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
Encouraging Faith in Children
Every parent or guardian wishes to guide children to develop a strong foundation of faith. The Scriptures tell us that children are a blessing, and one of the ways we can honor this blessing is by nurturing their relationship with God. This means spending time in prayer together, reading the Bible, and discussing God’s love and teachings. As we guide them, we help instill a sense of confidence and security in their faith. When we share our experiences and belief in God, we model the kind of faith we hope they’ll develop for themselves.
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
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
Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” – Psalm 78:4
Matthew 7:11
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:11
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
Children’s Prayers and Faith
Prayer is a powerful way for children to grow closer to God. When we encourage children to pray, we provide them with a direct line to their Creator. We can teach them that their prayers do not have to be elaborate; they can simply share their thoughts, feelings, and fears. Just as they open their hearts to us, they can do the same with God. Through prayer, they learn to rely on Him for comfort, guidance, and strength, establishing a habit that can last a lifetime.
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. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Matthew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22
Jeremiah 29:12
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12
The Joy of Children’s Faith
The joy that children experience in their faith is contagious. Their enthusiasm for God’s love inspires everyone around them. It can be an enlightening experience to witness a child’s delight in discovering God. Their simplicity in believing truly shows us how to appreciate faith’s lightheartedness. When we embrace and encourage their joy, we are reminded of the beauty in our own faith journeys. Children often find awe in the small things, bringing a sense of wonder that can seem lost to adults.
Psalm 149:2
“Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.” – Psalm 149:2
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
John 16:21
“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her hour has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” – John 16:21
Proverbs 15:13
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13
Psalms 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalms 127:3
Children in Worship
Worship is an integral part of expressing our faith, and involving children allows them to recognize the importance of honoring God early on. Whether it’s through singing, dancing, or participating in service, children can actively engage in worship. This participation helps them develop a deeper understanding of what it means to celebrate God alongside the community. Encouraging children to express their faith through worship fosters a sense of belonging and helps them know they are a valued part of God’s family.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
Psalm 100:2
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” – Psalm 100:2
Psalm 150:6
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” – Psalm 150:6
Isaiah 38:19
“The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness.” – Isaiah 38:19
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
God’s Love for Children
We can find immense comfort in knowing God’s love for children. The Scriptures describe that children hold a special place in His heart. This love is not conditional and does not change over time. When children view God as loving and accepting, they learn to embrace Him in their hearts. It is crucial to introduce them to the concept of an all-loving God, who listens to their concerns and comforts them in their fears. Understanding this love allows them to build a faith that is secure, knowing they are cherished by their Creator.
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 9:48
“Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.’” – Luke 9:48
Matthew 18:6
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” – Matthew 18:6
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Final Thoughts
The verses we explored show how essential children’s faith is in our journey as believers. Their innocent trust in God reminds us that faith does not need to be complicated. We see how important it is to nurture that faith through encouragement, prayer, and participation in worship. As we guide our children and surround them with love, we also deepen our relationship with God. By embracing the joyful spirit that children bring into our lives, we can experience a renewed connection with our Creator.
As we think about children’s faith, let’s remember that we are all called to love and support one another as we walk in faith. This journey unites us in a beautiful way, encouraging one another to keep pursuing God’s love. If you feel inspired, there are many other topics to explore, such as Jesus loving children or joy for kids.