How can the church support families in recognizing children as a divine blessing? Celebrating God’s Good Gift “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3) Scripture presents every child as a tangible sign of God’s generosity. When the church embraces that outlook, families are strengthened and the gospel is displayed. Rooting our vision in Scripture • Genesis 1:28—“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply….’” • Deuteronomy 6:6-7—Parents are charged to diligently teach God’s Word to their children. • Proverbs 17:6—“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged….” • Matthew 18:5—Welcoming a child is equated with welcoming Christ. • Ephesians 6:4—Fathers are called to bring children up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” These passages unite to underscore that children are never an accident of biology; they are purposeful gifts entrusted to households and congregations alike. Cultivating a church culture that treasures children • Speak blessing over young families—publicly rejoice at births, adoptions, foster placements, and pregnancies. • Preach and teach texts such as Psalm 127 regularly, letting the congregation hear God’s valuation of children. • Include children in gathered worship whenever possible; their presence reminds everyone that faith is generational. • Provide visible platforms for children to use their gifts—scripture reading, music, greeting, missions projects. • Encourage multi-generational small groups so that wisdom and energy intertwine. • Affirm adoptive and foster families as living parables of the gospel (James 1:27). Equipping parents as primary disciplers • Offer parenting workshops anchored in passages like Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 6. • Supply family worship guides tied to the weekly sermon text. • Pair new parents with seasoned mentors for prayer and accountability. • Keep a resource library of biblically faithful books on childrearing, purity, and worldview formation. Providing tangible support • Meal trains, childcare rotations, and financial assistance for families welcoming a new child. • On-site mother’s rooms and family-friendly spaces—practical hospitality that echoes Matthew 18:5. • Scholarships for Christian schooling, homeschool co-ops, and camps. • A benevolence fund for adoptive and foster costs. Mobilizing prayer and encouragement • Maintain a rotating list of children’s names for public and private intercession. • Celebrate milestones—dedications, baptisms, graduations—with corporate joy and affirmation. • Send handwritten notes or texts to parents, quoting verses like Psalm 127:3 to remind them of God’s delight in their children. Modeling godly masculinity and femininity • Men’s and women’s ministries that uphold biblical roles, helping fathers and mothers embody Ephesians 6:4 and Titus 2:3-5. • Testimonies from older couples showing the long-term fruit of faithful child-rearing. Extending the blessing beyond biological families • Engage in community outreach: tutoring, sports ministries, reading programs—visible demonstrations that every child is valued. • Support crisis-pregnancy centers, reflecting Psalm 127:3 by championing life from conception. • Adopt local schools for service projects, showing educators and students the church’s commitment to their flourishing. Living out Psalm 127:3 together When a congregation consistently proclaims, celebrates, and practically supports the truth that children are “a heritage from the LORD,” families gain courage, society witnesses a counter-cultural hope, and God receives glory for His good design. |
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