What Does Jesus Say About Loving Children?

When you think about children, what comes to mind?

Innocence, joy, curiosity, and a sense of wonder.

Jesus had a special place in His heart for children, and He spoke about them with deep love and affection.

In the Bible, Jesus’ teachings on children highlight their importance, innocence, and the pure faith they possess.

Let’s dive into what Jesus says about loving children and how we can apply His teachings in our lives today.

What Does Jesus Say About Loving Children

Jesus Welcomes Children

One of the most profound passages about Jesus’ love for children is found in the Gospel of Matthew.

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says:

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that children have a special place in God’s kingdom.

He welcomed them with open arms, showing that their innocence and purity are qualities that are valued in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus’ approach was radical for His time, as children were often seen as insignificant.

His message is clear: children are precious, and we should welcome them just as He did.

The Value of Childlike Faith

Jesus not only welcomed children but also highlighted the importance of having faith like a child.

In Matthew 18:3, He says:

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

What does it mean to have childlike faith?

Children have a natural trust and dependence on their parents.

They believe without skepticism and love without conditions.

Jesus calls us to have this kind of faith—pure, trusting, and wholehearted.

By loving children and embracing their qualities, we can deepen our own faith.

Protecting and Caring for Children

Jesus also spoke about the responsibility we have to protect and care for children.

In Matthew 18:6, He warns:

“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.”

This strong statement shows how seriously Jesus takes the protection of children.

Causing a child to stumble, whether through neglect, abuse, or leading them astray, is a grave offense.

Jesus’ words call us to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the well-being of children.

Practical Ways to Love and Protect Children

Provide a Safe Environment:

Ensure that children are in safe and nurturing environments, both at home and in the community.

Be a Positive Role Model:

Children learn by example.

Show them love, kindness, and integrity through your actions.

Listen and Support:

Pay attention to their needs and concerns.

Be a source of comfort and guidance.

Educate and Empower:

Teach children about their rights and empower them to speak up if they feel unsafe.

Teaching and Nurturing Children

Jesus understood the importance of teaching and nurturing children.

In Mark 10:15-16, we read:

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Jesus not only spoke about children but also actively blessed them.

His actions teach us the value of nurturing children’s spiritual growth.

By blessing and teaching them, we help them develop a strong foundation in faith.

Ways to Nurture Children’s Spiritual Growth

Pray with Them:

Include children in prayer and teach them how to pray.

Read Scripture Together:

Share Bible stories that are age-appropriate and discuss their meanings.

Encourage Questions:

Let children ask questions about faith and provide thoughtful, loving answers.

Involve Them in Worship:

Encourage children to participate in church services and activities.

Reflecting Jesus’ Love in Our Actions

Jesus’ love for children was evident in His words and actions.

As His followers, we’re called to reflect that love in our interactions with children.

Loving children means more than just affection; it involves commitment, protection, teaching, and nurturing.

Steps to Reflect Jesus’ Love

#1. Be Present:

Spend quality time with children, showing them they are valued and loved.

#2. Show Compassion:

Be empathetic to their feelings and experiences.

#3. Encourage Growth:

Support their development in all aspects—emotional, physical, and spiritual.

#4. Demonstrate Patience:

Understand that children are learning and growing. Be patient and gentle in your guidance.

#5. Offer Unconditional Love:

Love children without expecting anything in return, just as Jesus loves us.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings about loving children are timeless and powerful.

He welcomed them, valued their faith, protected them, and nurtured their growth.

By following His example, we can create a world where children are loved, safe, and encouraged to grow in faith.

Remember, loving children as Jesus did isn’t just about words; it’s about actions.

Be the embodiment of His love in the lives of the children around you.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, mentor, or friend, your role in a child’s life is significant.

Embrace it with the love and grace that Jesus showed, and you’ll make a lasting impact on their hearts and souls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on What Jesus Said About Children

1. What did Jesus say about children?

Jesus spoke highly of children, emphasizing their importance in the kingdom of heaven.

He welcomed them, valued their childlike faith, and highlighted the need to protect and nurture them.

2. Why did Jesus say we should be like children?

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus taught that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

This means having a pure, trusting, and wholehearted faith similar to that of a child.

3. How did Jesus demonstrate His love for children?

Jesus demonstrated His love for children by welcoming them, blessing them, and teaching His followers to protect and care for them.

He showed that children hold a special place in God’s kingdom.

4. What is childlike faith, and why is it important?

Childlike faith refers to the pure, trusting, and unconditional faith that children naturally have.

It’s important because it embodies the qualities that Jesus values and calls us to emulate in our own faith journey.

5. What does Jesus say about protecting children?

In Matthew 18:6, Jesus warns against causing children to stumble, indicating that those who harm or mislead children will face severe consequences.

He emphasizes the responsibility we have to protect and nurture them.

6. How can we apply Jesus’ teachings on loving children in our daily lives?

We can apply Jesus’ teachings by:

Providing safe and nurturing environments for children.
Being positive role models.
Listening and supporting their needs.
Educating and empowering them.
Nurturing their spiritual growth through prayer, scripture reading, and involvement in worship.

7. What are some practical ways to nurture a child’s spiritual growth?

Practical ways to nurture a child’s spiritual growth include praying with them, reading scripture together, encouraging them to ask questions about faith, and involving them in church services and activities.

8. How can I be a positive role model for children?

You can be a positive role model by showing love, kindness, and integrity through your actions.

Children learn by example, so demonstrating these qualities can have a significant impact on their development.

9. What does it mean to offer unconditional love to children?

Offering unconditional love means loving children without expecting anything in return.

It’s about accepting and caring for them just as they are, mirroring the way Jesus loves us.

10. How can I ensure that children feel valued and loved?

You can ensure that children feel valued and loved by being present, spending quality time with them, showing compassion, encouraging their growth, demonstrating patience, and providing consistent support and affirmation.