jaboyle100
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- Aug 1, 2019
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- 153
Many Christians do not have children of their own, but can still have a fulfilled, obedient life in Christ without them. God is sovereign and omniscient and knows who will and who won't have children. The Bible tells us that children are a blessing from God.-Psalm 127:3-5. This does not mean that those without children are not blessed or that children are the only blessing of God. It simply means children are to be looked upon as a blessing, not a curse or an inconvenience.
When God created Adam and Eve, "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it."-Genesis 1:28. After the flood, God told Noah, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth."-Genesis 9:1. Procreation is part of God's command for humanity, and He certainly expected most people to have children. We also see having children as part of God's covenant with Adam.-Genesis 12:2-3.
In the Old Testament, children were seen as a physical sign of God's blessing. In the New Testament, children are certainly still seen as a blessing. Jesus welcomed children and taught His disciples that children exemplify many of the values of the kingdom of God. Paul gave instructions to parents and children about living well together.-Ephesians 6:1-4. There is no question that family is highly valued by God. But the New Testament focuses more on spiritual fruitfulness and multiplication than on physical blessings. Believers in Jesus become children of God.-John 1:12. It is His family primarily that we want to expand. We are to make disciples (Matthew 28:19), not just biological offspring.
Children are and always will be a blessing from God, no matter how a child becomes part of one's life. But nowhere does the Bible state that every married couple must have or desire to have children. Couples without children are in no way less valuable or important to the kingdom of God than those with children. Married, single, with children, or without children; every child of God is an important member of His family and an integral part of the body of Christ. God's specific will for every individual and every couple is different. For many, God's will includes having children, whether naturally or through adoption. For others, His will does not involve having children.
Sometimes the lack of desire to have children is God-given. Other times, it is driven by past hurts, fear, or selfishness. All of us, no matter our life situation or stage, do well to examine our hearts, be honest with God in prayer, search His Word for wisdom and commit our lives to Him. Ultimately, it is God Who satisfies our hearts, and our lives are to be lived for His glory alone.-Romans 12:1-2; Psalm 37.
Father, we know that children will always be a blessing from You, but for some of us You have a different plan. Thank You for blessing us and showing Your plan and purpose for our lives. May we continue to serve You and meet the needs of the world in other ways. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Love in Christ,
Jan
When God created Adam and Eve, "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it."-Genesis 1:28. After the flood, God told Noah, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth."-Genesis 9:1. Procreation is part of God's command for humanity, and He certainly expected most people to have children. We also see having children as part of God's covenant with Adam.-Genesis 12:2-3.
In the Old Testament, children were seen as a physical sign of God's blessing. In the New Testament, children are certainly still seen as a blessing. Jesus welcomed children and taught His disciples that children exemplify many of the values of the kingdom of God. Paul gave instructions to parents and children about living well together.-Ephesians 6:1-4. There is no question that family is highly valued by God. But the New Testament focuses more on spiritual fruitfulness and multiplication than on physical blessings. Believers in Jesus become children of God.-John 1:12. It is His family primarily that we want to expand. We are to make disciples (Matthew 28:19), not just biological offspring.
Children are and always will be a blessing from God, no matter how a child becomes part of one's life. But nowhere does the Bible state that every married couple must have or desire to have children. Couples without children are in no way less valuable or important to the kingdom of God than those with children. Married, single, with children, or without children; every child of God is an important member of His family and an integral part of the body of Christ. God's specific will for every individual and every couple is different. For many, God's will includes having children, whether naturally or through adoption. For others, His will does not involve having children.
Sometimes the lack of desire to have children is God-given. Other times, it is driven by past hurts, fear, or selfishness. All of us, no matter our life situation or stage, do well to examine our hearts, be honest with God in prayer, search His Word for wisdom and commit our lives to Him. Ultimately, it is God Who satisfies our hearts, and our lives are to be lived for His glory alone.-Romans 12:1-2; Psalm 37.
Father, we know that children will always be a blessing from You, but for some of us You have a different plan. Thank You for blessing us and showing Your plan and purpose for our lives. May we continue to serve You and meet the needs of the world in other ways. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Love in Christ,
Jan
