Children are our most precious resource, because they represent not only the future, but are signs of God’s love in a broken world. The magical influence of a child can bring light into the darkest days, and show us a small sample of how God loves us, His children.
The Bible, as God’s Word, has a lot to say about children, even though it may not be readily apparent. We are to care for them and their well-being, and treat them as God treats us, His children – with love, care, and compassion.
For starters, it’s clear that children are a gift from God:
“They are the children God has graciously given your servant.” – Genesis 33:5
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
“They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.” – Psalm 37:26
“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” – John 16:21
Children are also a reminder of the relationship between God and us:
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” – Galatians 3:26
“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” – Isaiah 54:13
We are instructed to care for all of the children of the earth, out of a spirit of love, care, and mercy – the same that God has shown us. This includes showing them loving discipline (“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away” – Proverbs 22:15), teaching them how to live godly lives (“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6), and bless them (And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16).
The love we should have for all of God’s children is most evident in Jesus and how much children meant to Him. On several occasions in the New Testament, Jesus encounters children and does not shoo them away, as His disciples tried to do, but draws them closer:
“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And He said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
And whoever welcomes one such child in My name welcomes Me. 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 18:2-6
We can imagine the joy and delight Jesus took in children. We can also imagine, with terror, the fate that awaits those who neglect, hurt, and abuse children, either actively or passively, who do not show them the same love God shows His children.
Many of the children who come to our home do not know that God loves them until we share this good news with them. In fact, they may know very little about God, if anything at all.
God’s Word has a special place for children, and so should we. We should take care of the children in our communities because God expects us to – but also because we, as God’s children, have received care. And the Golden Rule says we should treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
If God chooses to show infinite mercy by bridging the gap between the divine and humanity by making Himself a child, growing up to show love to children, and dying for His children, how much more should we show the same love and dedication to the children around us?
Care for a child. Help them directly, or support those who have dedicated themselves to caring for the downtrodden, cast-out children of society who have seen nothing but struggle – far from what God has promised us as our birthright.
Do these things in His name, and as Jesus said, “Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.”
The mission of the Alabama Free Will Baptist Children’s Home is to support children by giving them a safe, loving place to call home. Learn more about us or consider donating and helping show love to Alabama’s kids.