What Does The Bible Say About Having Children?
In the Bible, children are viewed as a blessing from God. They are seen as a sign of God’s faithfulness and favor. The Bible contains many references to children and the value of having them. Here, we look at some of the scriptures that provide insight into what the Bible has to say about having children.
The book of Psalms states that children are a heritage from the Lord and a reward from Him. This suggests that children are a blessing to be treasured. God also tells us in the Bible that children are a sign of His faithful love. This means that having children is a way to show our gratitude and appreciation for God’s goodness.
Many passages in the Bible suggest that having children is part of God’s plan for our lives. The book of Genesis states that God commands us to “be fruitful and multiply” and fill the earth with His creation. The book of Proverbs confirms this by stating that those who have children will be blessed.
The Bible also suggests that having children is an act of faith and a way to pass on our values and morals to the next generation. In Deuteronomy 6:7, God tells us to “teach [our] children diligently” and to “talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up”.
Having children is also a way to build lasting relationships with God and others. In Psalm 78:6-7, God speaks of the importance of teaching our children from a young age and helping them to grow in faith. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul also encourages us to bring up our children in the “ training and admonition of the Lord”.
The Role of Parenthood
The Bible also outlines the roles and responsibilities of parenthood. In Proverbs 22:6, we are told to “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. This highlights the importance of providing guidance and setting an example for our children.
The Bible also states that parents have a duty to provide for their children and protect them. In 1 Timothy 5:8, we are told to “provide for our own, and…for those of our own house”. This suggests that parents have a responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.
The Bible also encourages people to be patient and kind with their children. Ephesians 6:4 instructs us to “bring them [our children] up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”. This suggests that parents should show kindness, understanding, and gentleness when dealing with their children.
Finally, the Bible asks parents to have faith and trust in God’s plan for their lives, and to trust that He will provide for them and their children. Psalm 37:3-4 tells us to “trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed”, whilst Psalms 127:3-5 urges us to “trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed”.
The Value of Family
The Bible also emphasizes the value of family and the importance of spending quality time with our children. In Psalm 78:5-7, we are told “that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments”. This highlights the importance of teaching and passing on our faith to our children.
The Bible also encourages us to enjoy and revel in our children. Psalm 127:3-5 states that “children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward”. This suggests that children should be seen not only as a blessing and a sign of God’s faithful love, but also as a source of joy and delight.
The Bible also encourages families to come together and spend time together in prayer and worship. In Deuteronomy 6:7, we are told to “teach [our] children the commandments of the LORD, and to talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up”. This highlights the importance of bringing our families together in prayer and worship.
God’s Faithfulness
The Bible also speaks of God’s faithfulness and how He is watching over us and our children. In Psalm 25:1-2, we are told “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters”. This reminds us that God is with us, even in difficult times and that He is our protector and provider.
The Bible also states that God will protect and provide for our children. In Isaiah 49:25, we are told that “…they [our children] shall not be ashamed, neither shall their reproach be forgotten”. This suggests that God will protect and provide for our children and will help them through any difficulty they may face.
The Bible also speaks of God’s love and faithfulness towards our children. In Isaiah 54:13-15, God repeats his promise to us that “…all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children”. This suggests that God will provide our children with guidance and protection, and will not forsake them.
Finally, the Bible encourages us to have faith in God and to trust in His plan for our lives, even when it comes to having children. In Luke 18:29-30, Jesus tells us that “all things are possible to him that believeth”. This suggests that, if we have faith in God and trust in His plan, He will take care of us and our children.
The Sanctity of Life
The Bible also teaches us to respect and value life, including that of unborn children. In the book of Genesis, God says “behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat”. This suggests that, even in the womb, children are given special protection by God and are seen as valuable human life.
The Bible also speaks against abortion, stating that “You shall not murder”. This commandment makes it clear that the taking of innocent life is wrong, and in direct opposition to God’s will.
The Bible also speaks of the importance of protecting unborn children. In Psalm 127:3, we are told that “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him”. This suggests that, through God’s gift of life, children are to be treated with respect and, like all life, should be safeguarded and cherished.
Finally, the Bible encourages us to have compassion and mercy for unborn children. In Psalm 103:8, we are told to “show mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments”. This suggests that we should show mercy and kindness to our unborn children, and treat them as we would any other vulnerable members of society.
The Importance of Adoption
The Bible also speaks of the importance of adoption and adopting children who are in need. In James 1:27, we are told that “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world”.
This suggests that, through adoption, we are showing our love for God and our commitment to helping those in need. The book of Ephesians also speaks of the importance of adoption, stating that adoption “is an expression of the unfailing love of God”.
The Bible also speaks of the blessing of adopting children. Psalm 113:9 states that “He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!” This suggests that, in adopting children, we are bringing joy and happiness into their lives and are giving them a loving home.
Finally, the Bible encourages us to provide for our adopted children. Deuteronomy 28:11 tells us that “The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground”. This highlights our responsibility to provide and care for our adopted children, just as we would do our own.
Taking Care of Children
The Bible also speaks of the importance of taking care of our children. In Deuteronomy 6:5-7, we are told to “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 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 suggests that we should not only provide for our children, but also guide and nurture them. The book of Proverbs also highlights the importance of taking care of our children, stating that “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”.
The Bible also speaks of the importance of setting a good example for our children. In James 1:27, we are told “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world”. This suggests that, in order to be a good example for our children, we should strive to live in a way that reflects our Christian faith and values.
The Bible also encourages us to have faith in God and to entrust our children to Him. In Proverbs 22:6, we are told “Commit your work to the LORD and your plans will be established”. This suggests that, if we put our trust and faith in God, He will take care of our children and guide them throughout their lives.
Teaching Our Children
The Bible speaks of the importance of teaching our children and providing them with an education. In Proverbs 22:6, we are told to “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. This suggests that, by teaching and providing guidance for our children, we will ensure that they grow up to be responsible and faithful followers of God.
The Bible also stresses the importance of teaching children from a young age. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, we are told to “teach [our] children diligently” and to “talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and