The Bible and children

Children hold a very special place in God’s heart. The Bible presents them as a gift, a heritage and a blessing; holds them up as an example of faith; commands parents to teach them the way of the Lord; and issues some of its sternest warnings against those who harm them. Jesus himself took them in his arms and blessed them, and rebuked his disciples when they tried to stop them coming to him. In this article we see what the Bible teaches about children and what it means for families, churches and society.

“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.”

Mark 10:13-16

Children are a gift from God

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”

Psalm 127:3

In the ancient world, as today, children were sometimes seen as a burden or as less valuable than adults. The Bible, by contrast, affirms that every child is a gift from God, formed by him in the mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-16). Every child has dignity and eternal worth, because they are created in God’s image, regardless of origin, health or abilities.

Jesus and children

In Jesus’ time, children had no important place in public life. That is why the disciples tried to send them away, thinking the Master had more important business. But Jesus was indignant; he called them, took them in his arms, laid his hands on them and blessed them. What is more, when the disciples argued about who would be greatest in the kingdom, Jesus set a child in their midst and said: “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Jesus did not teach that children are perfect, but that their trust, humility and dependence are the model of faith. As a child trusts his father, so we must trust God.

Children in biblical history

God has used children in surprising ways. Samuel heard God’s voice as a boy. David was a youth when he defeated Goliath. Josiah began to reign at eight and became one of Judah’s most faithful kings (2 Kings 22:1-2). A little Israelite girl, captive in Syria, told her mistress about the prophet Elisha, and so Naaman was healed (2 Kings 5:2-3). A boy gave his five loaves and two fish, and Jesus fed a multitude with them (John 6:9). Timothy knew the Holy Scriptures from childhood thanks to his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 3:15).

Teaching children God’s way

The Bible charges parents, and the whole faith community, with passing on the faith to children:

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Teaching the faith does not happen only at church, but in daily life: at the table, on the road, at bedtime and on rising. Children learn more from what they see than from what they hear. Proverbs says: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The example of parents who pray, forgive, read the Bible and love God is the best lesson.

Discipline with love

The Bible speaks of discipline as an expression of love: the father who loves his son corrects him (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6). But biblical discipline is never abuse. Paul warns: “ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), and also: “provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged” (Colossians 3:21). Correction must be firm, fair, patient and always accompanied by affection. Violence, humiliation and neglect wound children deeply and contradict God’s heart.

Protecting children: a serious warning

Jesus spoke one of his sternest warnings precisely in defence of the little ones:

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Matthew 18:6

God defends children. Every form of abuse, mistreatment, exploitation or neglect is a grave sin and also a crime. Families, schools and churches have a responsibility to be safe places. Churches must have clear safeguarding rules: careful screening of those who serve with children, never leaving an adult alone with a minor, training for leaders and immediate reporting of any suspicion to the authorities. Covering up abuse to “protect the image” of a church is contrary to the Gospel.

If you know or suspect that a child is in danger, report it. In Colombia you can contact Line 141 of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) or the emergency line 123; in other countries, the child protection authorities. If you are a child or teenager and someone is hurting you, tell a trusted adult. It is not your fault, and you deserve to be safe.

Orphans and vulnerable children

The Bible shows special care for orphans. God presents himself as “a father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5), and James states that pure religion is “to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27). Throughout history Christians have founded orphanages, schools and hospitals for children, and today many churches support adoption, foster care and programmes for children in poverty, living on the street or affected by war.

Children and faith

Children can know God, pray, love Jesus and have a sincere faith. We should not underestimate their spiritual capacity. At the same time, faith should be presented in an age-appropriate way, with love, joy and without fear. Telling them Bible stories, praying with them at bedtime, singing together and patiently answering their questions are simple ways to sow the seed of faith.

Advice for parents and teachers

Pray for and with your children: every day. Read the Bible as a family: use illustrated Bibles or adapted stories. Listen: children need to feel heard. Give time: presence is worth more than presents. Say sorry when you get it wrong: you will teach humility. Protect: supervise internet use and know the people who spend time with your children. Celebrate: make faith something joyful.

Children with disabilities

Every child with a disability is fully precious to God. Jesus devoted much of his ministry to those society pushed to the margins. Churches are called to welcome these children and their families, adapting spaces and activities so that everyone can take part and know God’s love.

Presenting and dedicating children

Joseph and Mary presented Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:22). Today some churches baptise infants as a sign of God’s grace and of belonging to the faith community, while others present or dedicate children to God and reserve baptism for when they can confess their faith personally. All agree on the commitment of parents and church to raise them in the way of the Lord.

Remember that raising a child is a shared task: grandparents, godparents, teachers and church members can be a great support for parents, especially for mothers and fathers raising children alone.

Interesting facts

Prayer

Lord Jesus, who took children in your arms and blessed them, I pray for all the children of the world. Bless my children (the children of my family and church). Protect them from all harm, abuse and neglect. Comfort orphans and children suffering war, hunger or violence. Give us adults wisdom, patience and love to raise them in your way. Make our families and churches safe places where the little ones can know you. Amen.