What is childlike faith? Does the Bible instruct us to have childlike faith?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

What is childlike faith? Although not using those exact words, Jesus taught that we must receive the kingdom of God like a child—humbly, dependently, and with complete trust (Mark 10:14-15). Just as a child relies on a parent for guidance and protection, we are called to depend on God rather than our own strength, especially in times of difficulty. Just as Peter walked on water by keeping his eyes on Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29), true childlike faith focuses on Christ, believing He will sustain, provide, and lead us through every challenge, even when the storms of life rage around us.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Childlike faith is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Bible never uses the words "childlike faith," but faith is central to the Christian life. Faith is both necessary and a gift. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
• We are saved by grace, through faith—and that faith doesn't come from ourselves, it is given to us by God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• Faith is not something that we produce within ourselves. Like an essential piece of armor, we are fitted with faith so that we are protected from Satan's warfare against us (Ephesians 6:16).
• Faith is a very humble quality, which is perhaps why it is associated with childlikeness. At one point, Jesus' disciples were concerned with which of them was the greatest, or the closest to Him, or the most important. But Jesus responded to their debate by taking a small child to His side and saying that the least among them was the greatest (Luke 9:46-48). He told them that they were to "become like children" (Matthew 18:3) in order to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus was pointing out the truth that a child is completely dependent on adults for safety, sustenance, and knowledge. Similarly, the faithful person depends on God in a way that is absolutely dependent.
• Jesus emphasized childlike faith when he said, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it" (Mark 10:14-15). The faith God looks for is humble, teachable, and trusting—like that of a child. In this way, the Christian is to have a childlike faith.
• The world sometimes misunderstands the idea of childlike faith, thinking that Christians are childlike because they believe in myths and fairytales. But this is not the Bible's meaning when it compares us to children. Instead, childlike faith is a metaphor for trust, dependence and love, and an encouragement to ask for what we need (Matthew 7:11).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Childlike faith is required for salvation. Childlike faith is humble and dependent on God, realizing we need Him for everything. Just as a child trusts a parent for provision, guidance, and protection, we are called to rely fully on God for forgiveness for our sins as well as for our daily needs. In times of difficulty, childlike faith also means responding with trust rather than control. When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water, he did so with childlike faith, believing Jesus would sustain him (Matthew 14:28-29). But the moment he relied on his own understanding and focused on the storm, he began to sink. Likewise, when we try to handle life’s struggles on our own, we falter. Having childlike faith means keeping our eyes on Jesus, believing that He is both willing and able to care for us in every situation.

Salvation is a gift from God which we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). True faith humbly acknowledges that we can do nothing apart from Him, and it rests in His grace. The more we depend on God, the more we grow in faith, knowing that He alone sustains, saves, and provides all that we need.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus teaches that we must receive the kingdom of God with humble, dependent, and trusting faith.
• A person with childlike faith relies on God for salvation, guidance, and strength.
• True faith is a gift from God, acknowledging our dependence on Him for everything.

REFLECT

• In what areas of your life do you struggle to fully depend on God, and how can you cultivate childlike faith in those areas?
• How does keeping your eyes on Jesus, especially in challenging times, impact your ability to trust and rely on Him?
• How does recognizing faith as a gift from God change your understanding of your relationship with Him?

ENGAGE

• What does it mean for us to "receive the kingdom of God like a child"?
• How does a childlike faith impact our relationship with God?
• How can we encourage one another to rely on God’s strength rather than our own when facing difficulties in life?