Children hold a special place within the biblical narrative, often depicted as a blessing and a gift from God. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the value and significance of children, emphasizing their role in the family and the community of believers.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently portrays children as a divine blessing. In Psalm 127:3, it is written, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This verse underscores the belief that children are not merely the result of human effort but are a gracious gift from God, entrusted to parents for care and guidance.

The Role of Children in the Family

Children are seen as integral members of the family unit, which is the foundational institution established by God. In Genesis 1:28, God commands Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it." This command highlights the importance of procreation and the continuation of the human family. Children are viewed as a means through which God's covenant promises are fulfilled and His purposes are advanced.

Jesus and Children

The New Testament further elevates the status of children through the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. 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." Here, Jesus affirms the value of children and their place in the kingdom of God, emphasizing their purity, humility, and faith as qualities to be emulated by all believers.

Instruction and Discipline

The Bible also provides guidance on the upbringing of children, emphasizing the importance of instruction and discipline. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse highlights the responsibility of parents to teach their children the ways of the Lord, instilling in them a foundation of faith and moral integrity.

Ephesians 6:4 further instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This passage underscores the balance between discipline and nurturing, encouraging parents to raise their children in a manner that reflects God's love and righteousness.

Children as Examples of Faith

Children are often depicted as exemplars of faith and trust in God. Their innocence and dependence serve as a model for believers, illustrating the kind of relationship God desires with His people. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus states, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This call to childlike faith challenges believers to approach God with humility, trust, and openness.

The Responsibility of the Community

The biblical narrative also emphasizes the role of the broader community in the nurturing and protection of children. The church is called to support families in raising children according to God's principles, providing a safe and loving environment where they can grow in faith. James 1:27 highlights this responsibility: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

In summary, children are portrayed in the Bible as a precious gift from God, entrusted to parents and the community for care, instruction, and love. They are a testament to God's creative power and a reminder of the innocence and faith that believers are called to emulate.Genesis 4:1,25
And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
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Genesis 17:16,20
And I will bless her, and give you a son also of her: yes, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
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Genesis 28:3
And God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a multitude of people;
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Genesis 29:32-35
And Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD has looked on my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
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Genesis 30:2,6,17-20,22-24
And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?
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Genesis 33:5
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with you? And he said, The children which God has graciously given your servant.
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Ruth 4:13
So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in to her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son.
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Job 1:21
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
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Psalm 107:38,41
He blesses them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffers not their cattle to decrease.
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Psalm 113:9
He makes the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise you the LORD.
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Psalm 127:3
See, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
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The Bread of God
... the children of Israel are four times referred to in this context, and on each occasion
are stated as the reason for the gift of the manna. It was God's answer ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the bread of god.htm

On the Education of Children
... or power to do this or that, without expressly mentioning, that all these are the
gift of God? All this tends to confirm the Atheism of their children, and to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 95 on the education.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 5, Etc. , Where the Miracle ...
... 5. So then this Bridegroom, "fair in beauty above the children of men," became deformed ...
[3153] That we are men and not beasts, is a gift of God; but this is ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xlv on the words.htm

Sanctified by God the Father.
... gift of the Holy Spirit to man is the gift of entire ... As God the Father, therefore,
is Himself infinitely holy, and He requires all His children to be holy ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter xi sanctified by god.htm

"For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of ...
... hath pleased the Lord to put his own Spirit within his own children, to be a ... excellent
as to make it come under the notion of any gift from God, it having ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxvi for as many.htm

God from whom all Good Things Come
... PSALMS GOD FROM WHOM ALL GOOD THINGS COME. Unless the ... ones sleep. Children
too are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward. As arrows ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/god from whom all good.htm

Of the Benefit of virginity and of Continency.
... shall they begin to die: for they are equal to the angels of God, since they are
the children of the ... But every one has his proper gift from God; one in ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/32 of the benefit of.htm

Divine Election and Reprobation
... ARTICLE 6. That some receive the gift of faith from ... election pointed out in the Word
of God - such as ... certainty of this election afford to the children of God ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/divine election and reprobation.htm

Possessing, and "Working Out. "
... I see some children here: let me tell you a story. ... A Sunday school teacher
wished to show his class how free the gift of God is. ...
/.../moody/sovereign grace/chapter iii possessing and working.htm

The Knowledge of God a Divine Gift, According to the Philosophers.
... XIII."The Knowledge of God a Divine Gift, According to ... in whom it is found." Wisdom
which is God-given, as ... clearly deems it fit to believe the children of God ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiii the knowledge of god.htm

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