Child dedication is a meaningful act of committing children to God. Today, we’ll explore how the Bible highlights the importance of raising children in faith.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Child Abandonment
What Does The Bible Say About Child Dedication
Deuteronomy 6:7
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
This verse emphasizes the importance of parents teaching their children about God and His commandments. It encourages parents to actively engage in sharing their faith with their children through daily conversations and actions.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
This verse highlights the significance of intentional and consistent training in a child’s life. By instilling godly values and teachings from a young age, it is believed that the child will continue to follow those principles throughout their life.
Psalm 127:3
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.
This verse reminds parents that children are a precious gift from God. It encourages parents to value and cherish their children, recognizing them as blessings and treasures entrusted to their care.
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
This verse directs parents, especially fathers, to nurture their children in a way that promotes their spiritual growth. It advises parents to provide loving discipline and guidance that aligns with the teachings of God.
Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
This passage portrays Jesus’ love for children and His desire for them to be included in His kingdom. It serves as a reminder for parents to bring their children to Jesus and to teach them to have child-like faith, trusting and relying on Him for salvation.
Psalm 139:13-14
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
This psalm celebrates the intricate and intentional creation of each individual by God. It affirms that all children are fearfully and wonderfully made, highlighting their inherent worth and value.
Matthew 18:2-5
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.
Jesus uses the example of a child to teach about humility and simplicity in faith. He encourages adults to have child-like faith and to treat children with love and acceptance, recognizing their inherent importance in the kingdom of God.
Psalm 128:3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
This verse paints a beautiful imagery of the blessings that come with having a faithful and fruitful family. It symbolizes children as sources of joy and future hope, just like olive shoots around a table.
Genesis 17:7
I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
In this verse, God promises to establish a covenant not only with Abraham but also with his descendants for future generations. It signifies God’s faithfulness and continuously inclusive love for families and their subsequent generations.
Psalm 78:4-7
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
This passage emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge and experiences of God’s faithfulness to future generations. It encourages parents to teach their children about God, His promises, and His mighty acts, with the hope that they will grow in trust and obedience to Him.
Psalm 103:17-18
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
This psalm reassures the faithful that God’s love and righteousness extend beyond their generation. It promises that those who fear and obey Him will experience His blessings not only in their lifetime but also in the lives of their children and grandchildren.
Proverbs 17:6
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
This verse highlights the special joy and honor that comes with having grandchildren. It suggests that the legacy and influence of parents are reflected through their children and their subsequent offspring.
2 Timothy 3:14-15
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Paul encourages Timothy to hold on to the teachings of Scripture that he has learned since childhood. This verse highlights the significance of early exposure to the Word of God and its transformative power in leading individuals to salvation.
Joel 2:28
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
This verse prophesies about the future outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people. It suggests that God’s Spirit will also dwell upon the younger generation, equipping them to serve and prophesy in His name.
Psalm 144:12
Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.
This psalm paints a picture of strong and healthy youth, compared to flourishing plants and beautifully carved pillars. It symbolizes the potential strength and beauty of children who have been diligently nurtured and instructed.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
In this verse, Jesus once again affirms the value of children and their place in the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder for parents to encourage their children’s spiritual growth and to foster an environment where they can freely seek and encounter Jesus.
Isaiah 54:13
All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.
This verse brings a message of hope and assurance to parents. It promises that when God Himself becomes the teacher of their children, there will be profound peace and well-being in their lives.
Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of discipline in parenting. It suggests that when children are raised with loving discipline and guidance, it brings peace and satisfaction to both the parents and the children.
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
This verse compares God’s compassionate nature to that of a loving father. It assures believers that just as a father deeply cares for his children, God also has great compassion and care for those who reverence Him.
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.
Jesus cautions against disregarding or underestimating the importance of children. This verse reveals the special attention and care that God’s angels have for children, emphasizing their significance in His eyes.
Proverbs 14:26
Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children, it will be a refuge.
This proverb assures that the fear of the Lord provides a strong and secure foundation both for individuals and their children. It signifies that a God-fearing lifestyle brings protection and a safe haven for future generations.
Psalms 111:5
He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
This psalm celebrates God’s faithfulness to those who fear and honor Him. It assures that He provides for the needs of those who revere Him and faithfully keeps His promises throughout all generations.
Proverbs 20:7
The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
This proverb highlights the impact of righteous parents on their children. It suggests that the godly lifestyle and integrity of parents bring blessings upon their children, creating a lasting inheritance for generations to come.
3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
In this verse, John expresses his deep joy in knowing that his spiritual children are living according to God’s truth. It reflects the delight that parents and spiritual mentors feel when their children grow in their faith and live out God’s principles.
Isaiah 49:25
But this is what the LORD says: “Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.
This verse assures God’s intervention in protecting and rescuing the children of believers. It signifies His commitment to fighting against those who oppose and bring harm, ensuring the safety and salvation of the offspring of His faithful followers.