I think you're referring to the following Bible verse:
"And whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child, shall in no way enter into it." - Mark 10:15 (NKJV)
Or, in other words:
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7 (KJV)
In this context, Jesus is teaching about the importance of having a childlike faith. He's saying that those who are willing to come to God with an attitude of humility and trust, just like a child trusts their parents, will be able to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
And in 1 Peter 5:6-7, we're encouraged to humble ourselves before God, recognizing His power and sovereignty. By doing so, He may exalt us in due time - meaning, He may give us greater opportunities or responsibilities as we continue to trust and obey Him.
So, the idea of "humbing yourself like a child" is not just about being silly or playful (although that's important too!). It's really about having a humble heart, recognizing God's greatness, and trusting in His goodness, just like a child trusts their parents.
A wonderful and poignant reference!
The Bible verse that comes closest to the phrase "Be innocent like a child" is likely Matthew 18:3-4, which says:
"And he said, 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
In this context, Jesus is not suggesting that we should literally be like children in all their naivety or ignorance. Rather, He's highlighting the importance of humility, simplicity, and trust, which are characteristics often associated with childhood.
Just as children are naturally trusting and open to new experiences, so too can we cultivate a sense of childlike wonder and openness before God. This means being willing to learn, listen, and receive His guidance without pretension or pretenses.
In other words, Jesus is encouraging us to:
1. Trust completely: Like a child trusts its parents, we should trust God with our whole hearts.
2. Be humble: Children often don't worry about what others think; they're free to be themselves. We can learn to let go of pride and ego.
3. Receive freely: Children receive love, care, and guidance from their parents without hesitation or expectation of return. We can learn to receive God's gifts and blessings with a similar sense of gratitude.
By embracing these childlike qualities, we can experience the joy, simplicity, and intimacy that comes from being deeply connected to our Heavenly Father.
A beautiful and inspiring Bible verse!
The Bible verse you're referring to is likely:
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein." - Mark 10:15 (King James Version, KJV)
In this verse, Jesus is teaching his disciples about the importance of having faith like a child. He's emphasizing that in order to truly experience and understand the kingdom of God, one must have a humble and trusting heart, just like a child.
Just as children are innocent, pure, and full of wonder, we too can approach life with the same sense of curiosity, trust, and openness. This verse encourages us to let go of our preconceptions, doubts, and fears, and instead, approach God's kingdom with the simplicity, sincerity, and faithfulness of a child.
What is your favorite Bible verse or passage? I'd love to discuss it with you!
A great reference!
The phrase "unless you become like children" (Matthew 18:3) is a famous quote from Jesus Christ in the Bible. In this context, Jesus was teaching his disciples about the importance of humility and spiritual growth.
When he said "unless you become like children," he meant that one must return to a state of innocence, simplicity, and trust, similar to how children approach life. Here are some key aspects of what it means to be like a child:
1. **Innocence**: Children are often free from the biases, prejudices, and cynicism that can come with age. They see the world with fresh eyes, untainted by preconceived notions.
2. **Simple trust**: Children typically have an unshakeable faith in their caregivers and the world around them. They trust that everything will work out for the best.
3. **Open-mindedness**: Kids are curious and eager to learn, without preconceptions or skepticism. They're open to new experiences and ideas.
4. **Humble dependence**: Children rely on others for care, guidance, and protection. They recognize their limitations and need for support.
5. **Playfulness**: Kids are known for their playful nature, approaching life with joy, spontaneity, and a sense of wonder.
In essence, Jesus was urging his followers to adopt these childlike qualities in order to:
* Be more receptive to God's teachings
* Cultivate humility and self-awareness
* Experience the world with fresh eyes and a sense of curiosity
* Trust in God's goodness and guidance
* Approach life with simplicity, joy, and playfulness
By becoming like children, we can rediscover the beauty of childlike wonder, trust, and openness to the world around us.
Childlike faith is a beautiful and powerful concept in Christianity. Here are some Bible verses that speak to childlike faith:
1. "And Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" - Matthew 19:14 (NIV)
This verse highlights the importance of having a childlike faith, which is characterized by humility, trust, and simplicity.
2. "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child—nevertheless one must become like children—will never enter the kingdom of heaven." - Mark 10:15 (NIV)
This verse emphasizes the importance of having a childlike faith in order to receive the kingdom of God.
3. "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'" - Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
This verse stresses that we need to adopt a childlike attitude and approach to have eternal life.
4. "So the master called one of his servants and said, 'Do what the others do—to you I owe this much.' And he forced him to come near, and came to him, saying, 'Friend, you are faithful by a little; commit to me what is my own—why are you anxious about the remaining?' He said, 'I have worked hard all day in the field. It was hot.' He said to one of his servants, 'Go out into the field and bring that part which is yours.' And he went out and found a pearl, very precious. He came back and put it at its place with the other pearls." - Luke 19:13-24 (NKJV)
This parable highlights the importance of having childlike faith in giving up our worries and doubts to God.
5. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
This verse encourages us to come to Jesus with a childlike faith, leaving our worries and doubts behind.
Some great quotes on childlike faith include:
* "To have the childlike faith we must be willing to take risks and step out in obedience to God's will." - Max Lucado
* "Childlike faith is not about being ignorant or foolish; it's about being pure of heart and simple in spirit." - Francis Chan
* "The greatest miracle in the world is when a man wakes up one morning—though nothing has changed—and decides he doesn't want to be what he used to be." - Charles Hummel
These verses and quotes emphasize the importance of having a childlike faith, which involves humility, trust, and simplicity. Childlike faith is not about being ignorant or foolish; rather, it's about being pure of heart and simple in spirit.
"Faith like a child" is a beautiful and profound concept. Here are some inspiring "faith like a child" quotes:
1. **Mark 10:15**: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
2. **Matthew 18:3-4**: "And he said: 'I tell you the truth, that you can be justified before God only by faith. Just as it is with little children, so it is with those who are part of God's family.'"
3. **Luke 18:17**: "Now what was impossible with men is quite possible for God; and in fact he chose precisely those who were weak in the world—those whom the world thinks foolish to put to shame its strong ones."
4. **Matthew 19:14**: "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, because that is what belongs to people who are like these children.'"
5. **Faith like a child means**... trusting without doubting, believing without questioning, and receiving without hesitation.
6. **God's ways are higher than our ways**, just as a child doesn't question the way their parent loves them unconditionally.
7. **Faith is not about having all the answers**, but being willing to ask questions like a curious child.
8. **When we come to God with childlike faith, He comes to us with loving arms**.
9. **Innocence and simplicity are essential components of childlike faith**.
10. **Faith like a child is not limited by age or experience**, for it's the heart that matters, not the number of years.
These quotes remind us that having faith like a child means surrendering our worries, doubts, and fears to God's loving care.
What a wonderful topic! Here are some beautiful Bible verses that highlight the joy and blessings of having children:
1. "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward." - Psalm 127:3 (KJV)
This verse emphasizes that children are a gift from God, a heritage to be cherished and nurtured.
2. "As arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born into one's youth." - Psalm 144:5 (ESV)
This poetic comparison highlights the energy, vitality, and potential for growth that children bring to our lives.
3. "Children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward." - Psalm 127:3 (NIV)
The NIV translation of this verse reiterates the idea that children are a divine gift, a reward for the blessings we've received in life.
4. "And they will be like plants that I have planted, and will give fruit so that you may be reassured." - Jeremiah 1:18 (NLT)
This prophecy from Jeremiah promises that children will bring joy and satisfaction to their parents, much like a fruitful garden brings nourishment and delight.
5. "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
While this verse primarily emphasizes the importance of parenting and discipleship, it also highlights the value and potential of children to grow into godly adults.
6. "For you know that we dealt with each of your children in the presence of our elders, and now we gladly give thanks because God has welcomed them as joint-heirs." - Romans 8:23 (NIV)
In this verse, Paul highlights the joy and gratitude that comes from seeing our children become part of God's family, co-heirs to His eternal kingdom.
7. "You shall teach them diligently to your sons, and shall talk about them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." - Deuteronomy 6:7 (KJV)
This command from Moses emphasizes the importance of passing on spiritual truths and values to our children, demonstrating that we value their lives and futures.
8. "You shall not harm them. You must treat them well; they are your children." - Exodus 22:24 (NIV)
In this verse, God commands us to show kindness and compassion to our children, treating them with love and respect as a reflection of His own loving care for us.
These verses remind us that having children is a precious gift from God, filled with potential for growth, joy, and spiritual impact.
A great topic!
In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, you'll find several references to childlike faith. Here are a few examples:
1. **Matthew 18:3-4**: "And he said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
2. **Mark 10:13-15**: "And they brought young children to him, that he might touch them: and the disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and when he had come into the house, he laid hold on the child, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
3. **Luke 18:15-17**: "And they brought him also his wife; mourning and lamenting: But Jesus turned him about, and when he beheld her, he said, Take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately she was healed, and followed Jesus in the streets."
In these passages, Jesus emphasizes the importance of having a childlike faith. He's not saying that adults should remain immature or childish, but rather that we should approach God with the same humility, trust, and dependence as children do.
Some key characteristics of childlike faith include:
1. **Trust**: Children trust their parents and caregivers without question. Similarly, people with childlike faith trust God without doubt.
2. **Humility**: Children are not afraid to ask for help or seek guidance from others. Those with childlike faith recognize their limitations and seek God's guidance.
3. **Dependence**: Children rely on their parents for protection, provision, and care. People with childlike faith recognize their dependence on God for everything in life.
4. **Willingness to learn**: Children are eager to learn and absorb new information. Those with childlike faith are teachable and open to God's guidance.
In essence, childlike faith is about approaching God with a sense of wonder, curiosity, and trust, just as children do when they explore the world around them.