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REFLECTIONS
Children and Christianity

Cindy L. Kutz

Matthew 11:25

“Jesus said, ‘I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’ ”

Have you ever wondered why God referred to us as children, or why He used children as illustrations of what we should be and how we should act? I know I’ve often wondered. I have had many struggles with where Christianity fits into our churches today. I know who my Father is and feel I am quite firmly grounded in my faith. Yet I struggle with the whole issue of lack of forgiveness, and what it has done and is continuing to do to the body of Christ.

I’ve read a lot and searched a lot and prayed for God to show me what His desires are. God gave me an answer through my seven-year-old daughter. After losing her grandmother this past year, she wrote in her school journal an entry titled, “What it would be like if my grandma were alive”. A couple of lines in this entry revealed the truth to me: “[Grandma] would even say I’m sorry when she didn’t do anything. That’s because she believed in God so much. My grandma would love the world if she had to.”

This is why God wants us to be like children. They understand and grasp the simplicity of love and forgiveness and don’t try to manipulate it to fit their will. Children have trust in their parents. We, too, need to trust our parent – God – and follow His example of forgiving and loving everyone.

Reflections is a column of brief reflections on Scripture passages. This one is by Cindy L. Kutz of Port Rowan, Ont. Freelance submissions for Reflections (200-250 words in length) are welcome.

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Last modified September 15, 2000.

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