Being a child is a special thing. Kids have a natural curiosity, innocence, and trust that we often lose as we grow older. In the Bible, Jesus talks about how important it is to have childlike faith. He wants us to remember the qualities of children, like their ability to trust and love without hesitation. These traits remind us of the way we should approach our relationship with God.
Today, we will look at some Bible verses that highlight the importance of being like children. These verses teach us valuable lessons about faith, humility, and love. By looking at these scriptures, we can learn how to embrace a childlike spirit in our own lives and deepen our connection with God.
Bible Verses About Being Like Children
Childlike Faith
Having childlike faith means trusting God completely, just as children trust their parents. It means believing in God’s promises and holding onto hope, even when we can’t see the answers clearly. This kind of faith invites us to approach God with our questions and uncertainties openly. We should be willing to rely on Him for guidance and comfort, allowing our faith to grow in the same way a child grows in the love and reassurance of their family. By embracing childlike faith, we demonstrate our willingness to depend on God, much like a child leans on their parents for support and love.
Matthew 18:3
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” – Matthew 18:3
This verse emphasizes the necessity of adopting a childlike attitude to experience God’s kingdom. Jesus here invites us to reflect on humility and the purity of a child’s heart. It encourages us to reassess our spiritual journey, as genuine faith often requires us to shed pride and embrace a mindset filled with innocence, trust, and wonder.
Mark 10:15
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Mark 10:15
In this verse, Jesus reinforces that childlike faith is essential for entering the kingdom of God. It acts like a door that opens into a relationship with Him through purity and trust, and encourages us to let go of adult skepticism and doubt, fully embracing the grace and love that await us in God’s presence.
Luke 18:16
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” – Luke 18:16
This passage highlights how Jesus cherishes children, directly showing that their openness and trustfulness represent the essence of the kingdom of God. It reminds us that we must not overlook the simplicity of approaching the Creator like a child, free from doubt and full of curiosity about His love for us.
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” – 1 John 3:1
This verse expresses the incredible love and grace of God, who considers us as His children. Our identity in Christ reflects a God’s desire for closeness and intimacy, much like the bond between a child and their parent. It reassures us that we are loved and valued, as we are embraced like children in His family.
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16
This verse communicates the assurance of our identity as children of God, reminding us that we are cared for by our Heavenly Father. We can walk confidently, knowing He is watching over us and guiding us, just as a parent lovingly watches over their child, providing comfort and wisdom for each step of their journey in faith.
Humility in the Presence of God
Humility is another important quality we can learn from children. They approach situations without pretense, fully aware of their smallness in the world. Likewise, our relationship with God calls for an attitude of humility. When we recognize our need for Him, we find ourselves in a position to receive His blessings and guidance. Embracing humility invites God’s grace into our lives, allowing Him to mold us into who we are meant to become. Just like children rely on their parents, we are invited to rely on God for all our needs, trusting in His plan for our lives.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
This verse highlights the necessity of humility, urging us to place others before ourselves. Like children, we can learn to appreciate the value of sharing love and serving others, recognizing that an attitude of humility fosters relationships both with God and among ourselves.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
This passage reassures us that when we humbly submit to God, He responds by lifting us up. It’s a beautiful cycle of surrender and grace, akin to how a child runs to their parent knowing they will be embraced and supported in their times of struggle and need.
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
This verse calls us to trust in God’s timing and purpose, reminding us of the importance of humility in our approach to Him. It invites us to surrender and wait for His perfect timing to lift us up, like a child waiting for a parent to provide guidance in their life.
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5
This verse beautifully illustrates the reward for humbling ourselves before God. It encourages us to develop a meek spirit, which is often found in the hearts of children, assuring us that true strength lies in gentleness and humility.
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
Here, we see the contrast between pride and humility. This verse points out how embracing humility leads us to greater wisdom—similar to how children often ask questions and seek answers from their adults, allowing them to grow in understanding and knowledge.
The Importance of Love
Children know how to love without barriers. Their hearts are naturally open, teaching us about kindness, compassion, and unconditional love. Jesus Himself highlighted love as a central commandment. We should cultivate genuine love in our relationships, encouraging a sense of community and acceptance around us. By embodying the purity of a child’s love, we can strengthen our bond with one another and reach out to others without fear or judgment. In God’s eyes, love transcends everything, and it’s through loving others that we reflect the character of Christ. Embracing a childlike spirit helps us in this endeavor.
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
This verse encourages us to cultivate love as it originates from God. It urges us to develop relationships filled with love, mirroring the nature of children who easily love those around them. Love rooted in God strengthens our identity and ultimately reflects His character in our lives.
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
This passage beautifully expresses Jesus’ commandment to love one another. By embodying a childlike heart that values love and friendship, we create a supportive community that revolves around mutual care, acceptance, and compassion.
Mark 12:31
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31
This verse underscores the importance of loving others deeply, highlighting that loving our neighbors is equally essential. Children exemplify this love in their innocent and genuine relationships, reminding us to treat others with the same compassion and affection.
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
This verse points out that love serves as the ultimate unifier in our relationships. We can learn from children who inherently connect with others through love, serving as a strong bond that binds us as a community of faith.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
The essence of this verse lies in love’s ability to create a peaceful environment. Children, through their pure hearts, naturally avoid harm toward others and care deeply. By following this example, we can walk a path of righteousness filled with love, mirroring the love of Christ.
Trusting in God
Trust is a significant element of a child’s faith. From their first steps to their first encounters with the unknown, children learn to trust those around them. Similarly, we can deepen our connection with God by placing our trust in Him. We can lean on His promises and guidance in our lives, allowing Him to lead us through uncertainties. Trusting God as our Father enables us to rely on His wisdom and direction, just like children rely on their parents for protection and support. By inviting this level of trust into our lives, we can experience peace, assurance, and joy in our relationship with God.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
This beautiful verse encourages us to fully trust in God rather than relying solely on our own reasoning. Just as children instinctively turn to their parents in times of uncertainty, we are invited to place our faith in God’s guidance, ensuring that our paths are aligned with His purpose.
Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3
This verse beautifully speaks to the essence of trusting God in challenging times. Children exhibit unwavering faith in their parents’ ability to make things right and protect them, reminding us of the peace and security we can find in trusting our Heavenly Father.
Isaiah 26:4
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” – Isaiah 26:4
In this verse, we are encouraged to trust God eternally, emphasizing His reliability. Just as children find comfort and support in their parents, we can take refuge in God’s unwavering presence, assuring us that He remains our steadfast foundation.
Jeremiah 17:7
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” – Jeremiah 17:7
This passage reminds us of the blessings that come from trusting God. Likewise, children experience joy and assurance from their parents’ love and support, guiding us as we grow in faith and confidence in God’s promises.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
This verse encourages us to embrace faith and trust even when we cannot see the outcome. Children naturally possess this certainty and hope as they explore the world, trusting that their parents will always be there for them, mirroring our relationship with God.
Innocence and Purity
The innocence of children serves as a reminder of the purity we should strive for in our own lives. It encourages us to shed the baggage of sin, allowing our hearts to be refreshed and renewed. Just as children are free from guilt and shame, we are called to embrace grace and receive forgiveness. Living with innocence protects our hearts from becoming jaded or prideful, allowing us to experience the fullness of God’s love. We cannot forget that in accepting God’s loving grace, we are continually transformed as His children, growing in purity and joy, reflecting the light of Christ in our lives.
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8
This verse highlights the blessing of purity and its ability to bring us closer to God. Just as children exhibit pure hearts, we are called to cultivate this purity within ourselves, ensuring that our relationship with God remains unhindered and filled with genuine connection.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
In this verse, we see a humble cry for renewal and purity. It serves as a powerful reminder that we can seek God’s transformative grace, just like children who enter new experiences unburdened by fear, encouraging us to embrace purity and freshness in our walks with God.
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
Here, Jesus reminds us of the value and importance of children, emphasizing their connection to God. They represent purity and innocence, giving us an ideal to aspire to as we pursue God’s heart and learn to appreciate the beauty of simplicity in our faith.
Corinthians 14:20
“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” – Corinthians 14:20
This verse encourages us to adopt the purity of thought that children possess while emphasizing growth in maturity regarding our understanding of the world. We should reflect purity through our thoughts and actions, striving for a balanced approach in our adult lives.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
This passage signifies the transformational power of Christ, becoming a new creation freed from sin. In this rebirth, we can reclaim our childlike innocence and joy, continuously reminding ourselves of the beauty of starting fresh within God’s love.
Playing and Enjoying Life
Children are known for their playful spirits. They remind us of the importance of joy and enjoying life to its fullest while finding delight in the little things. Jesus often spoke about joy and how it reflects the heart of God. By embracing playfulness in our lives, we can cultivate gratitude and appreciation for God’s blessings. Allowing a childlike sense of play to inspire us encourages healthy relationships with one another and reflects the light of Christ. We are reminded that God delights in our joy and wants us to enjoy life as well, celebrating His creation and cultivating spirits of gratitude.
Ecclesiastes 3:13
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13
This verse encourages us to find joy and satisfaction in our daily lives. It reflects the gift from God, reminding us to celebrate the simple pleasures, much like a child who revels in play and laughter, enjoying life’s precious moments without reservation.
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
This passage highlights the importance of maintaining a joyful heart. Children inspire us through their innate ability to find happiness in any situation, encouraging us to embrace joy while helping us heal and thrive like the simple laughter of a child.
Psalm 126:2
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” – Psalm 126:2
This verse reflects the joy that comes from recognizing God’s blessings in our lives. Like children, we are encouraged to express our laughter and joy, praising God for His goodness in our lives and reminding others of His greatness.
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
Jesus promises us a life of abundance and joy. This verse encourages us to live like children who embrace adventure and excitement, helping us shift our focus away from worries and toward the fullness God desires for us.
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
This verse urges us to maintain an attitude of joy and celebration. By imitating the unfiltered joy of children, we find ourselves uplifted and reminded of the beauty of laughter, community, and a grateful heart.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these scriptures about being like children, we see the importance of embracing childlike qualities in our lives. Trusting God, exhibiting humility, expressing love, and embracing joy and innocence are all attributes that draw us closer to Him. Just as children rely on their parents, we are called to rely on our Heavenly Father, allowing His love to shape our hearts and guide our paths.
May we continuously strive to nurture these characteristics in our walk with God and in our relationships with others. In practicing these qualities, we create a loving and supportive community that mirrors God’s heart, filled with grace and compassion. Let us remember to approach life with childlike wonder, remembering His love and the joy that comes from being His children.
If you’re interested in exploring more topics, I encourage you to read about being light in darkness or being kind and loving. There’s so much more to discover in God’s Word!