Illustration by Maura Pool
Jesus and Children – Unending love
Examples From Scripture
Jesus and children, faith, and love are intertwined. In the scripture you can find numerous examples of Jesus and children. As parents, grandparents, and teachers, we are uniquely responsible for nurturing this connection. Jesus has always had an unending love for children. When He was on earth, He welcomed them with open arms. He said, “Let the little children come to me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). This tender love extends to children today, reminding us of the special place they hold in God’s heart.
The Bible shows countless examples of God working through and caring for children. One such story is about Samuel. As a young boy, he heard God’s voice calling him in the night (1 Samuel 3:1-10). Though Samuel initially didn’t understand, he responded with an open heart, saying, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel’s willingness to listen and follow God was pivotal. It set the course for his life as a great prophet. This shows that children can have a profound connection with God even at a young age. As parents, grandparents, and teachers, we should nurture this.
Another example is the young boy in the crowd. He offered Jesus his lunch of five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-14). Others have doubted the potential of such a small offering. Yet, the boy trusted. He generously gave what he had. His actions led to the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people. Jesus took what the boy offered and multiplied it. This shows how even a child’s faith and actions can profoundly impact the world.
Jesus Whispers into the Heart of Every Child
Jesus whispers to the hearts and minds of children all the time. Some hear His gentle call and respond, their young faith blooming like a garden in spring. Others will not, for reasons we never fully understand. But His love for them remains steadfast, patient, and full of grace.
Jesus invites every child into a lifelong journey of faith and love. As parents, grandparents, teachers, or caring adults, we are uniquely responsible for nurturing this connection. We can do this by sharing His Word, praying with and for children, and living as examples of His love. Our actions can help children hear and respond to Jesus’ voice in their own lives.
One inspiring example is Kandy, from the children’s picture book Kandy’s Secret Friend. Kandy responded quickly and beautifully to Jesus’ whisper, finding comfort and joy in her newfound relationship with Him. Her story reminds us that children can often grasp the beauty of faith more simply and sincerely than adults. Their hearts, unburdened by life’s complexities, are open to God’s gentle call.
How Does Jesus Show His Love For Children Today?
In our lives today, how does Jesus whisper to us, especially our children?
As a psychiatrist, I believe emotions play a significant role in hearing God’s whispers. Emotions can act as signals, guiding us toward what is right and away from what is harmful. For instance, if a certain situation evokes negative emotions like disgust, that is a sign to stay away. Similarly, if a person triggers fear, it is also a warning to keep your distance. More importantly, if something causes you to lose your sense of spiritual peace, this red flag should not be ignored.
God often uses our emotions to help us navigate challenges and situations. See this POST. Yet, it is crucial to remember that emotions alone are not enough. They must be balanced with scripture and the moral teachings of the Church. Spiritual peace, merged with scriptural and Church teachings, holds a higher place of authority than emotions by themselves. Emotions can sometimes mislead us, especially when something is pleasurable, unhealthy, or immoral.
In my case, eating too many sweets, especially ice cream, is pleasurable. But, it is unhealthy. It can even verge on gluttony if taken to excess. This shows the importance of discerning between emotions that guide us toward God and those that lead us astray. Emotions are vital in hearing God’s voice. They must, yet, always be grounded in scripture. It is also essential to align them with scripture and the Church’s teachings.
Our Role as Faith Guides to His Unending Love
As adults, we are called to be faith guides for the children in our lives. See Understanding Emotions for Parents and Kids Then you might be interested in God and Emotions. This means being intentional in how we teach, support, and love them. We must be aware of how God is speaking to us. This awareness allows us to pass His wisdom on to the next generation. Through prayer, we can help children grow closer to God. By engaging with scripture, we aid them in recognizing His whispers in their hearts. Moments of quiet reflection also nurture this connection.
As parents, grandparents, or teachers, we should never invalidate a child’s emotions. We must not tell him or her, “You shouldn’t feel that way.” Children can’t help how they feel. They can only help what they do with their feelings. They can use their feelings to help them listen to God’s voice. There will be more about that in another blog post.
Jesus and Children – Key Takeaways
- Jesus and children, faith, and love are interconnected.
- God’s love for children is special and enduring.
- The Bible provides many examples of God’s care for children.
- Jesus continually reaches out to children’s hearts.
- His love is steadfast, patient, and full of grace.
This post was written by Maura Pool with the help of ChatGPT