Let’s be honest: As parents, we seem to simply put up with our kids too often, don’t we? I know I do. The attitude that our children are nuisances to be managed or impediments to other important tasks can subtly snake its way into our hearts.
But of course, this is completely unbiblical. Children aren’t gnats to be shooed away or trials to be endured. They are precious gifts from the Lord.
God loves kids. We see this clearly throughout Scripture, from the beautiful description of God’s creative care for every unborn child in Psalm 139:13-16 to Jesus’ stern warning not to spiritually harm children in Luke 17:2.
As I raise my four daughters, I find it extremely helpful to remind myself often of the Lord’s heart for children. I want my attitude toward my kids to always reflect his. God’s Word is filled with references to his love for the next generation and our responsibility to train them in his righteousness. Here’s a sampling of what the Bible says about kids. I hope this encourages you.
“The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man.”
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.”
“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.”
“Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 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. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’”