Childlikeness

Childlikeness in the Bible refers to the qualities of humility, trust, innocence, and dependence that are often associated with children. Jesus highlights the significance of these attributes in Matthew 18:3-4, where He states, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” This passage emphasizes that a childlike disposition is essential for entering God's kingdom, suggesting that humility and a genuine trust in God are key components of faith.Moreover, childlikeness embodies a sense of wonder and openness to learning, as reflected in the attitude of children who readily accept and believe without skepticism. In Mark 10:14, Jesus expresses His disapproval of those who hinder children from coming to Him, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” This further illustrates that the qualities of children—such as their ability to trust and their lack of pretense—are valuable in the spiritual life of believers. By embodying childlike faith, Christians are called to approach God with the same openness and sincerity that children exhibit.