Today we will talk about Bible verses about childlike faith. Many Christians may not fully understand what this means, but it’s actually a beautiful concept that encourages us to approach God with the innocence, trust, and openness of a child. Jesus Himself highlights this when He speaks of the necessity of having faith as a little child. Childlike faith reminds us to be humble and dependent on our Heavenly Father. By recognizing that we are His children and He cares for us, we are encouraged to trust in Him completely. Let’s take a moment to immerse ourselves in God’s Word and discover what the Bible teaches us about this wonderful aspect of our faith.
Bible Verses About Childlike Faith
The Essence of Childlike Faith
In our exploration of Bible verses about childlike faith, we uncover that the essence of this faith is steeped in simplicity, trust, and a pure heart. When we look at how children operate, we see unlimited trust and love toward their caregivers. This kind of faith requires us to let go of skepticism and let God’s love envelop us wholeheartedly. As we dive into these verses, let’s remember that embracing childlike faith means trusting God’s plans over our own understanding, giving credence to the miraculous, and believing without conditions.
Matthew 18:3
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” – Matthew 18:3
Mark 10:15
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Mark 10:15
Luke 18:17
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:17
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” – Matthew 19:14
1 Corinthians 14:20
“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20
Trust and Dependency
As we delve into the next aspect of childlike faith, we discover that trust and dependency are at the heart of our relationship with God. Children rely on their parents for safety, provision, and guidance without second thoughts. This valuable lesson teaches us to surrender our worries to God. When we genuinely trust Him, we are able to live in peace, knowing that He has our best interests at heart. Embracing this childlike faith enables us to navigate life’s uncertainties with hope and assurance. Let us invest in this relationship, allowing ourselves to depend on our Heavenly Father for every need.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5
The Power of Innocence
In childlike faith, we find the power of innocence and the beauty of a heart untainted by the harshness of our world. Children approach life with wonder and awe, which God calls us to emulate. This safe space helps us appreciate the sacredness of our faith journey and to experience true joy and peace in God’s presence. As we allow ourselves to be inspired by the childlike innocence exemplified in Jesus’ teachings, we can approach our relationship with God with renewed passion and an open heart, ready to receive His blessings.
Matthew 21:16
“‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ They asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise”?’” – Matthew 21:16
Psalm 131:1-2
“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” – Psalm 131:1-2
1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” – 1 Peter 2:2
Psalm 8:2
“Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” – Psalm 8:2
Isaiah 11:6
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” – Isaiah 11:6
Embracing Joy
Childlike faith invites us to embrace joy in our lives. Children know how to find happiness in the simplest things, whether it’s playtime, a beautiful day, or a loving gesture. This joyful spirit is a reflection of our faith in God, reminding us that living under His love means living with a heart full of joy and gratitude. When we cultivate childlike faith, we learn to appreciate the little blessings in our lives and celebrate the joy that comes from knowing our Creator. Let us allow God to fill our lives with joy as we trust Him completely.
Psalm 126:3
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3
John 15:11
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11
Nehemiah 8:10
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
Psalm 100:2
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” – Psalm 100:2
Learning to Forgive
One of the most powerful lessons we can learn from children is the incredible capacity to forgive. Childlike faith helps us understand that extending forgiveness can be a liberating experience. Children may get upset, but they often reconcile quickly and forget past grievances, demonstrating a refreshing spirit of love and understanding. By embracing this aspect of childlike faith, we can let go of bitterness and resentment, allowing ourselves to heal. As we forgive others, we are also reminded of how much our Heavenly Father forgives us, continuously encouraging us to mirror His love.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Curiosity and Learning
Children are naturally curious, always asking questions and eager to learn about the world around them. This curiosity is an essential part of childlike faith. It encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of God and His Word. When we approach our faith with childlike curiosity, we create space to grow and cultivate a deeper relationship with God. We should not shy away from asking questions and exploring the mysteries of our faith. God invites us to discover more about His character, His paths, and the purpose He has for our lives. As we learn more about Him, we bolster our childlike faith, enriching our relationship with Him.
Proverbs 2:3-5
“Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” – Proverbs 2:3-5
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
1 John 5:20
“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.” – 1 John 5:20
Showing Love and Kindness
Another significant aspect of childlike faith is the encouragement to show love and kindness to others. Children exemplify unconditional love and compassion to their friends and family, easily embracing others without barriers. This inspired outlook reminds us that nurturing a loving heart is central to our identity as followers of Christ. Through childish eyes, we can recognize God’s love at work in the world around us. Let’s commit ourselves to actively display God’s love in our actions and words, following His example to create warmth and fellowship in our communities.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Faithfulness and Obedience
Faithfulness and obedience are pivotal characteristics of childlike faith. Just as children listen and often obey their parents, we are called to trustfully follow God’s commands. This obedience stems from a loving relationship—when we know we are loved, we are more inclined to follow the guidance of our Heavenly Father. Embracing this element of faith leads to abundant blessings in our lives. By aligning our hearts and actions with God’s Word, we demonstrate our commitment to Him, assuring us of His everlasting promises.
1 Samuel 15:22
“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’” – 1 Samuel 15:22
Deuteronomy 5:33
“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” – Deuteronomy 5:33
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
Final Thoughts
In exploring the Bible verses about childlike faith, we have seen how vital this kind of faith is in our walk with God. From embracing joy, curiosity, and love, to learning to forgive, the characteristics of childlike faith guide us in our daily lives. God calls us to trust Him wholeheartedly, experience His grace, and live in obedience. As we nurture our childlike faith, let us remember that we are always growing in understanding, love, and strength as we journey with our Heavenly Father.
By modeling our faith after the innocence, zeal, and resilience of children, we draw closer to God and allow Him to reveal the beauty of His love and purpose for us. May we continue to lean on His wisdom, support, and celebration of life, always willing to learn and share His transformative love.
So, let us carry these lessons into our lives, shining His light into the world around us and embodying the attributes of childlike faith daily.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
