February 3 – The Love for Children

"Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence." (Matthew 19:13-15, KJV)

Children are the heritage of the Lord. The life of a child who believes in Christ is as precious in His sight as the angels surrounding His throne. They should be brought to Christ and raised for Him. They must be guided in the path of obedience, without indulgence in appetite or vanity.

When the disciples tried to send away the mothers who had brought their little ones to Christ, He rebuked them for their lack of faith, saying, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14, KJV). He was saddened that His disciples had discouraged the mothers from bringing their children to Him, for by their words and actions, they suggested that His grace was limited and that children should be kept away from Him.

A great responsibility rests upon parents, for the education and training that shape the eternal destiny of children and youth begin in their earliest years. It is the duty of parents to diligently and tirelessly sow the good seed in the hearts of their children, filling their minds with truth that will yield a harvest of righteous habits, faithfulness, and willing obedience. The good habits and virtues formed in childhood will generally guide the individual throughout life. In most cases, those who honor God and uphold righteousness have learned these lessons before the world could leave its imprint of sin upon them.

Oh, that parents would truly be children of God! Their lives would then exude the fragrance of good works. A holy atmosphere would surround them. Their earnest prayers for grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit would ascend to Heaven, and the influence of their faith would shine from their home like the bright, warming rays of the sun spreading across the earth.