The concept of children as a divine gift is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the value and significance placed on offspring within the Judeo-Christian tradition. Throughout Scripture, children are portrayed as blessings from God, entrusted to parents for nurturing and guidance in accordance with His will.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently affirms the view that children are a blessing from the Lord. In Psalm 127:3-5 , it is written: "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." This passage underscores the idea that children are not only a reward but also a source of strength and joy for their parents.

In Genesis 1:28 , God commands Adam and Eve to "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." This divine mandate highlights the importance of procreation and the continuation of human life as part of God's creative purpose. The birth of children is seen as a fulfillment of this command and a participation in God's ongoing work in the world.

Children in the Covenant Community

In the Old Testament, children are integral to the covenant community of Israel. The Abrahamic covenant, as described in Genesis 17:7 , includes the promise that God will "establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come." This covenantal relationship emphasizes the role of children in the perpetuation of faith and the transmission of God's promises through successive generations.

The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , instructs parents to diligently teach their children the commandments of God: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage highlights the responsibility of parents to instill a love for God and His commandments in their children, ensuring the continuity of faith.

Jesus and Children

In the New Testament, Jesus' attitude toward children further emphasizes their value in the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 19:14 , Jesus declares, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Jesus' welcoming of children and His assertion of their place in the Kingdom serve as a powerful affirmation of their worth and the purity of their faith.

Moreover, Jesus uses children as examples of humility and trust, qualities essential for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 18:3-4 , He states, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Parental Responsibility and Blessing

The Bible outlines the responsibilities of parents in raising their children according to God's principles. 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 proverb underscores the importance of early spiritual and moral education, suggesting that a strong foundation in faith will guide children throughout their lives.

Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers, "Do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the balance between discipline and nurturing, encouraging parents to raise their children in a manner that reflects God's love and truth.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of children as a gift from God emphasizes their intrinsic value and the joy they bring to families and communities. As bearers of God's image and participants in His covenant, children are to be cherished, nurtured, and guided in the ways of the Lord, ensuring the perpetuation of faith and the fulfillment of God's purposes across generations.