Understanding God’s love for children can only begin if we dive into His Word and see the compassion Jesus displays. Many of us can recall that first moment we first held our child in our arms. For some dads, it’s a memory so strong; you can almost re-live it just by reflecting back to the day they came into the world.
When our little girls were born, I fell in love so greatly that I held them for at least 4 hours straight during the skin-to-skin time they give dads. My heart felt so connected to our kids that I thought nobody could love them more than I could.
Spoiler alert to all the dads who think the same thing: there is someone that loves our children more than we do. His name is God. It can be hard to imagine a love stronger than our own for our kids.
Jesus stands up for children.
“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.” – Mark 10:13-16
This passage basically says, “Hey, don’t come in between Jesus and children.” Children were seen at the bottom of social status back in ancient society. God doesn’t overlook children, instead, He values them greatly. Here, God’s love for children is made known publicly.
Jesus honors a child’s perspective.
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 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 18:1-5
God has so much love for children that He highlights what everyone else can learn from them to come to God and enter Heaven. Because children display humility and complete dependence when they trust someone, God honors their hearts. We are to copy the same posture of a child as we humble ourselves to God and completely trust Him with our life.
Jesus advocates for children.
“He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” – Mark 9:36-37
God watches over every child and sends angels to cover them. So, let’s not look down on children or despise them because God’s great love is after them. Also, we should know that showing kindness to a child with nothing to give is serving God Himself. Jesus’ love for children goes so far that He uses them as an illustration to teach that greatness is not achieved by doing extraordinary things everyone sees but instead through serving those who can’t repay you (such as children).
God loves all His children.
God’s love for children goes beyond the little ones we’re raising. God loves all His children, including us as dads. His love is so strong that it’s not only shown on our birthday or valentines day, but every day.
But the greatest of all ways God shows His love is by offering everyone one of us everlasting life through the sacrifice of Jesus. He didn’t have to make a way for us to find our way back to his heart through salvation, but He did. We messed up, but the strength of God’s love cleaned through our mess. What Jesus did on the cross is the biggest display of God’s love for children, and I’m so grateful for His compassion.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Not sure where you’re headed as a dad? Take this free assessment as you embark on your godly fatherhood journey.
