3 Reasons Children are a Blessing

We just celebrated Children’s Day last Friday. While the children enjoy their school holiday and presents, it is perhaps a good time for the adults to reflect on how we too are blessed by the little ones. Furthermore, the topic of “children” has been the talk of the town this year, ever since it was reported that our resident fertility rate had fallen to a historic low of 0.87 and the babies born in 2025 had fallen below 30,000 for the first time in post-independence Singapore. This is perhaps a reflection of how children are increasingly being viewed as a burden rather than a blessing.

God’s Word plainly declares:

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5)

According to the Scriptures, children are a reward from God, and those whose households are full of children can be happy. Yet, the journey of parenthood often seems like a mountain to climb. In light of the parenting difficulties we face, how can we view children as a blessing? Let us consider 3 reasons:

1. Satisfaction

“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice” (Proverbs 23:24-25)

Children can be (and should be) a source of joy and happiness in our lives. Undeniably, children do often give us frustration, and they really test our patience. However, there is also a certain joy that is irreplaceable. It is a joy to see new life being born into this world (John 16:21). It is a joy to see the children grow in each stage of their development (2 Thessalonians 1:3). It is a joy to give our time and energy to someone other than ourselves (Acts 20:35). It is a joy to see the end-product of our parenting journey (Proverbs 23:24-25).

That being said, there is no guarantee that children will bring joy to our lives. Some couples struggle with the stress of parenthood. Some couples find their marriage strained after the arrival of the children. Some couples feel the grief of seeing their children grow up to be unfaithful (Proverbs 17:25). This is a reminder that, while the children are young, we must put in the necessary effort so that we can excel in this endeavour. Effort is required to ensure our households are in order and not a trainwreck. Effort is required to maintain our marriage while managing the little ones. Effort is required to train the children in the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6). Therefore, let us put in the hard work, but do not forget to enjoy the journey while it lasts!

2. Support

 “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)” (Ephesians 6:2)

Both in the Old and New Testament, children are called to honour their parents. Children need to obey their parents, especially when they are young (Ephesians 6:1). Children need to give their parents honour and respect (Ephesians 6:2). Also, the “honour” includes financial support when the parents are old (Matthew 15:3-6). If there are any elderly who require financial support, the children ought to be the first to take on this responsibility (1 Timothy 5:4). Hence, we are blessed if we have children who can support us in our old age.

That being said, there is no guarantee that our children will be filial to us in our old age. Hence, this reminds us again of the need for training while they are young, and we are reminded of the importance of building a strong relationship with our children. Also, before we can expect them to support us, we must first fulfil our parental duty in supporting them and giving them a strong headstart to life (1 Timothy 5:8). Nevertheless, we as parents also want to ensure that we do not become overly burdensome to the children (2 Corinthians 12:14). Hence, we ought to be financially prudent so that we can be a blessing – and not a burden – for the next generation (Proverbs 13:22).

3. Sharpening

“For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” (1 Timothy 3:5)

For a man to be qualified as an elder of the church, he must have faithful and submissive children (Titus 1:6). According to 1 Timothy 3:5, a man’s ability to manage his household proves that he can manage the church. Hence, the home is not just a training ground for the children: it is also a training ground for the parents. It is therefore a blessing to parent the littles ones because it is an opportunity for us to receiving training.

That being said, there is no guarantee that our children will grow up to become faithful Christians. Nevertheless, we must give our children the best possible chance. We need to ensure that their spiritual education is not a once-a-week affair, but a round-the-clock habit (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). We need to exhort, comfort and charge them in the way of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 2:11). We need to exercise discipline whenever necessary (Proverbs 29:15). We need to train them up in the way that they should go (Proverbs 22:6). For the sake of our children’s soul, and for our own spiritual development, let us be intentional in parenting the little ones and sharpen our parenting skills every day.

Concluding remarks

Parenting is hard work, no doubt about it. However, the Lord promises that children are a blessing and reward from Him. Children are a source of joy, support, and training. May all Christian parents have the wisdom and patience to train up the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. May we enjoy the journey and one day, Lord willing, we will enjoy the fruit of our labour too.