Should children always be considered a blessing from God?

TL;DR:

Yes, the Bible consistently presents children as a blessing from God, even though the challenges of parenting and human sin may complicate this reality. Children have value, dignity, and a role in God’s plan, urging us to see them as gifts and to steward their lives with care.

what does the bible say?

Children are always a blessing from God because they are made in His image and hold eternal value (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 127:3-5). God's design is for children to be born into a loving, committed marriage, but in our broken world, this ideal is not always met. Some children are conceived through tragic or sinful circumstances, and while those situations involve real pain, the child’s worth remains unchanged (Psalm 139:13-18; Matthew 19:14; Ephesians 2:10). Jesus even pointed believers to the example of children, whose humble, trusting nature should be emulated (Matthew 18:3-5) Scripture points to parents’ responsibility to raise their children with proper discipline but not despotism (Proverbs 13:24; Ephesians 6:4). Even in hardship, God brings life and calls His people to value and protect both children and struggling mothers with compassion and support. His design for the family remains the most life-giving context for raising children and reflecting His love.

from the old testament

Psalm 127:3-5 clearly presents children as a gift and blessing from God.
Genesis 1:28 and Genesis 17:7 reveal that children are part of God’s creation mandate and covenant promises
Exodus 20:5 shows that while children are a blessing, their lives can be affected by human sin, not that they are cursed themselves.
A baby is created in God's own image (Genesis 1:27), knitted carefully in her mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-18), with the potential for great things in her life (see Ephesians 2:10). The worth of a baby doesn’t rest on the manner in which he or she was conceived.

from the new testament

Jesus welcomed children (Matthew 19:14). He affirmed the value and dignity of children in God’s eyes.
In Matthew 18:3-5, Jesus called believers to become like children in humility and faith. This shows that children are not only a blessing but also models of kingdom values.
Ephesians 6:4 emphasizes parental responsibility and stewardship: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Children are a blessing to be nurtured, not owned or idolized.
God is in the business of redeeming difficult situations like children born out of wedlock, as a result of rape or prostitution, or children born into poverty. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." All things. Not just convenient things or things that go according to plan or things that were wanted. God's grace is not limited by the conditions of the world.

implications for today

In God's design, children are always a blessing, not because every circumstance is easy, but because every child bears the image of God and carries eternal value. From the very beginning, God intended children to be born into a safe, nurturing committed marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24; Psalm 127:3). This design reflects His heart for stability, love, and generational faithfulness. Yet we live in a broken world, and children can be conceived through painful, tragic, or sinful situations—through teenage impulsiveness, sexual violence, or deep exploitation. In those moments, it's easy to focus only on the hardship and trauma surrounding the conception. And that trauma is real; it must be acknowledged, grieved, and met with deep compassion.

Still, the existence of a child does not erase the value of that life. Even when a pregnancy results from sin or suffering, the child remains a gift from God—not a punishment, not a burden, not a mistake. God’s Word and character show us that He brings life even out of brokenness and that He entrusts us with the care and protection of the vulnerable—including the unborn and the mothers carrying them. As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold the dignity of every child while also surrounding hurting mothers with love, resources, support, and truth. God’s grace is big enough to redeem every story, and His design for family—rooted in love, commitment, and truth—is still the safest, most life-giving path for parents and children alike.

understand

Children are always a blessing from God.
Children are made in God’s image and possess eternal value, regardless of the circumstances of their conception.
The Bible calls believers to protect, nurture, and value every child, while also showing compassion and support to mothers in difficult circumstances.

reflect

How do you personally view children?
How have you seen God's image reflected in the life of a child?
How can you grow in showing compassion and support to women who are facing unplanned or traumatic pregnancies?

engage

How can we as believers uphold the truth that every child is valuable, even when conceived in tragic or sinful situations?
What role does the church have in supporting both unborn children and the mothers carrying them?
How can we reflect God’s design for family while extending grace and hope in broken circumstances?