In God’s Providence, He brings people into our lives at just the right times for our good and for our blessing. We’re blessed as we remember those who helped us along the way, especially by the unique care of nurture of our mothers. Although we all leave the nest, we take our mothers’ love with us. This Mother’s Day we honor our mothers in helping lay this foundation. And as we think of the roles that we play in the lives of children, here are “Three Ways to Bless Children” from Jesus’ blessing of children (Matt. 19:13-15) that the Lord will use to help us build on a foundation of goodness in the lives of children.

BRING CHILDREN TO JESUS

Bring children to Jesus (Matt. 19:13). Matthew wrote that “some children were brought to” Jesus for prayer and blessing (Matt. 19:13, NASB). As Jesus’ name was spreading far and wide because of His miracles and teaching about God’s kingdom, some mothers and fathers had their eye on their children. “How my dear children need to know His blessing,” they thought to themselves. And they brought Him their children.

Bring children to Jesus. Paul told the Thessalonians that he was “gentle among” them, “as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her…children” (1 Thess. 2:7, NASB). Part of our care is to tell our children about Jesus, who can forgive their sins and heal their wounds. We make mistakes as parents. What we have broken, we know that the Lord can mend. Tell them about Jesus’ death and resurrection to give them eternal life. Tell them about His friendship. Encourage them to know Jesus and gain a deep and abiding sense that He loves and accepts them.

VALUE AND PRAY FOR CHILDREN

Value and pray for children (Matt. 19:13-14). As people brought these children and “the disciples rebuked them,” Jesus wanted them with Him and said, “do not hinder them from coming to Me” (Matt. 19:13-14, NASB, NASB). Evidence of the Lord’s work is that “hearts” are turned toward “their children” (Mal. 4:5-6, esp. v. 6, NASB) rather than away from them. This world says that we’ll be happy if we prioritize ourselves, but the truth is we’re blessed as we care for others, including children.

Value and pray for children in your life, maybe even some who aren’t your own. At my work there were some wonderful ladies who were like moms to the younger ladies at work. No matter where your children are in life, and no matter where others whom you know are, care for them. Bring them to God in prayer. Ask for His blessing upon them. Entrust them to His care by your words and actions.

ENCOURAGE CHILDREN IN GOD’S KINGDOM

Encourage children in God’s kingdom (Matt. 19:14-15). Jesus blessed these children and upheld them as members of God’s kingdom. He said, “for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” and left after taking the time to pronounce His blessing over them (Matt. 19:14-15, esp. v. 14, NASB). The Lord told Abraham that His covenant would include his “descendants after [him] throughout their generations…to be” Abraham’s God and the God of his “descendants” (Gen. 17:7, NASB).

Encourage children in the Lord’s kingdom. It’s common for kids to seek to find an identity in many places and in many things. I thought I was chasing after who I really was when I was young—my true self—but I was just conforming to an image the culture presented to me. Encourage children to find their identity in Jesus and to know that they’re set apart for the His purposes. We shouldn’t think of some churches as for young people and some for older people. No matter how young or old, we want to have a place for your children and grandchildren here, serving alongside you and building a foundation of the Lord’s goodness in their lives so that they’ll find Christ’s encouragement and contentment.

BLESS CHILDREN IN YOUR LIFE

Bless children in your life! Bring children to Jesus and tell them about His forgiving and encouraging love. Value and pray for children to ask God’s blessing in their lives. Encourage children in God’s kingdom, to find their identity in Jesus and be with His people. As you do these things, they will be blessed and find contentment and direction in their lives, you will be blessed as you continue the work the Lord started through their mothers. #FCCBP

WORK CITED

"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE-R-, Copyright-C- 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”