“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
Honoring the Innocence of Children
We often overlook the vast potential and innocence found in children. The Bible teaches us that children are precious in the eyes of God. When we respect and honor children, we reflect God’s love and care. They are not only our future but also a present reminder of simplicity, trust, and faith. It’s our duty to nurture them, respecting their uniqueness and providing a safe environment where they can flourish. In doing so, we are laying a foundation of honor and care that they can emulate throughout their lives.
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Luke 18:16
“But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” – Luke 18:16
Mark 10:14
“But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:14
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1
Teaching Respect Through Our Actions
We must remember that children learn by observing us. It’s not just what we say to them; it’s also how we treat them. By showing respect and love, we teach children what it means to be respected. Our actions reflect our teachings. By respecting children, we instill a sense of value and self-worth in them. They will grow up knowing they deserve respect and will treat others accordingly. We have the unique opportunity to model this behavior, shaping their futures in profound ways.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
Proverbs 29:15
“The rod of reproof gives wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” – Proverbs 29:15
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
Proverbs 1:8
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” – Proverbs 1:8
Establishing Trust in Relationships with Children
Building trust is at the core of respectful relationships with children. We must create an atmosphere of safety where children feel comfortable expressing themselves. Trust encourages openness, and every interaction counts. Listening attentively to what they say and responding with kindness is essential. Establishing trust helps children to learn respect for themselves and others, creating a cycle of honor. We as adults hold the responsibility to be models of trustworthiness, practicing what we preach as we guide them through life.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalm 127:3
Isaiah 54:13
“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” – Isaiah 54:13
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Malachi 4:6
“And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” – Malachi 4:6
Philippians 2:14-15
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” – Philippians 2:14-15
Encouraging Respect Toward Others
We play an essential role in helping children learn respect for others, which ties directly to respecting children themselves. By modeling kindness, compassion, and patience, we teach children how to treat those around them. It is vital that we instill in them the values of empathy and understanding. Children learn through our behavior, and when we show respect for all individuals, including them, we set a powerful example. Let us encourage them to value every person, cultivating a community of respect.
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
1 Peter 2:17
“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” – 1 Peter 2:17
Romans 13:7
“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.” – Romans 13:7
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Creating a Supportive Environment
Caring for children is about more than just loving them; it’s about creating a supportive environment where they can thrive. We are called to provide shelter, nourishment, and guidance. By ensuring that children feel valued and cared for, we instill confidence and respect within them. A supportive environment allows them the freedom to explore, ask questions, and grow wholeheartedly. This respect leads to a deeper understanding of their worth in the eyes of God and others.
Psalm 146:9
“The Lord protects the strangers; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” – Psalm 146:9
Luke 9:48
“And he said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me, for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” – Luke 9:48
James 1:27
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” – James 1:27
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20
Embracing the Spiritual Growth of Children
As spiritual beings, children are capable of profound growth. We must respect their spiritual journeys as they learn and grow in faith. Nurturing a child’s relationship with God is vital. We are to guide them in discovering their spiritual gifts, praying with them, and feeding their curiosity about God. By acknowledging their spiritual needs, we show immense respect and help them cultivate a lifelong connection with God. It’s rewarding to watch their spiritual journey unfold as we encourage them every step of the way.
Matthew 18:4
“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:4
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” – Luke 2:52
Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” – Proverbs 4:7
1 John 3:1
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1
Ephesians 3:17-19
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17-19
Final Thoughts
Respecting children is a vital part of our Christian journey. We understand that they hold immense value in God’s eyes, just as we do. It’s our responsibility to nurture their innocence, support their growth, and model the respect we wish to see in them. By creating a supportive environment and teaching them to honor others, we are shaping their futures positively. Together, we strive to create a loving community where children feel valued and respected, reflecting God’s love in our lives.
As we ponder these beautiful truths, let us remain committed to respecting children and building relationships based on love and trust. If you’re interested in exploring related topics, you may want to read about forgiving children or foster care and adoption.