9 Amazing Ways the Bible Reminds Us Children Are a Blessing
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By Heather Adams, Crosswalk.com
“He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land — your grain, new wine and olive oil — the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you” (Deuteronomy 7:13).
There’s a reason why so many of us either desire to have or love being around children. God has built that into us. As humans, we are made to seek both care for ourselves and to care for others, and in their own way, children can fill both of those needs.
In ancient times, having children was considered a badge of honor, and of God’s provision on a family. Though it might not be looked at in quite that way today, it really is still true that children are a blessing. God is the Source of life, and each person He creates brings unique blessings into the world.
While not all of us have children, we all have the opportunity to be involved in a child’s life in some way. And when we step up for them, we receive wonderful things back. Here are some of the benefits the Bible mentions.
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9 Ways the Bible Says Children Are a Blessing
1. They Bring Us Joy
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord” (Psalm 128:3-4).
David wrote this Psalm describing the wonderful things God will bring those who are faithful to Him. And having children in a home can definitely be a gift. Their sense of wonder and curious questions spark our imaginations as well as theirs. The smiles a baby makes brighten everyone’s mood, and the giggles that kids let out usually make us laugh, too.
2. They Remind Us of God’s Provision and Plan
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5).
In this passage, Solomon stated that God is the foundation of a righteous life. And the children that He brings into our lives can actually strengthen the family and community. For when they are guided in the ways of The Lord, children grow to be strong in spirit and a source of His grace to those around them.
3. They Help Us Meaningfully Connect with Others
“Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. ‘Who are these with you?’ he asked. Jacob answered, ‘They are the children God has graciously given your servant’” (Genesis 33:5).
As the brothers met for the first time in many years, Esau noticed Jacob’s family right away. Presenting his children was a way for Jacob to share some of his life with Esau. Introducing or talking about our children often helps us pave the way to forge deeper relationships with extended family or others in our circle.
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4. They Are Part of God’s Design for Mankind
“Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease” (Jeremiah 29:6).
The prophet’s words repeat what God called many in Scripture to do, from Noah to Abraham. He has always planned for His people to flourish in number and influence. Children are the beginning of the life cycle that God has created, and so He continues to bring about new generations that will learn about and love Him.
5. They Give Us a Special Ministry
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire” (Proverbs 29:17).
The writer of this Proverb verse gives us a duty and a promise with the children in our lives. Raising children is a privilege and a very high calling, one that often requires a longer-view. For as we go through the sweet and challenging moments of each day, we need to keep our focus on leading our kids toward God. The results will shine later.
6. They Show Us What Matters to God
“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’” (Matthew 18:2-5).
During His Earthly ministry, Jesus acknowledged children and held them up as examples of the kind of humility and faith we are to have toward God. Children also have a way of looking at the world in more simple terms, with a sense of trust for others. They also soak in new information and like to ask a lot of questions. As adults, those are qualities that help us to grow in our faith – while putting our trust in God the Father.
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7. They Give Us Hope for the Future
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children” (Proverbs 17:6).
This verse says that children and grandchildren are proof that a family history is continuing, even moving forward. One of our tasks as the adults in their lives is to be an example of living God’s way. We can feel gratified and excited when some of their dreams and desires reflect what we’ve taught them. And, best of all, God gets the glory.
8. They Help Us Have a More Balanced Perspective
“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world” (John 16:21).
Jesus used this illustration to help His Disciples see that suffering in the moment could actually lead to something wonderful later on. This is often true about the arrival of a child into someone’s life. Finally being with them tempers the hardships of labor or adoption they’ve just experienced. And many of us would say that overall, the blessings we get from them outweigh momentary difficulties.
9. They Help Us Remember God and Keep Him First
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9).
Joshua spoke to the young Israelite nation as they settled into the Promised Land, warning them not to turn away from The Lord. He knew the children needed to learn about God’s character and His Ways, and that the parents would benefit as well. For as we teach our children God’s truth, it strengthens our own walk.
Children are so vital to God’s plan for mankind. Through them we get a glimpse of God’s grace and His unconditional love for us. Let’s seek to receive the blessings they bring and in turn to encourage them as best we can.
“I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams” (Isaiah 44:3-4).
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