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Jesus’ Love for Children
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mother’s sorrow. In every grief and need, He will give comfort and
help.
He who said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not
forbid them” still invites mothers to lead their little ones to Him for
blessing. Even the baby in its mother’s arms may live under the
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shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother.
John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If
we will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine
Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments.
Jesus saw that some of the children who were brought in contact
with Him would become martyrs for His sake. These children
would accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than many
grown-up people would. The Majesty of heaven answered their
questions and simplified His important lessons to meet their childish
understanding.
An Example to Mothers and Fathers
Children are still the most receptive to the teachings of the gospel.
Their hearts are strong to retain the lessons they receive. Little
children may be Christians, in keeping with their years.
Fathers and mothers should look on their children as younger
members of the Lord’s family whom God has committed to them
to educate for heaven. The Christian home becomes a school, with
the parents as underteachers and Christ Himself the Chief Instructor.
We should teach our children to bring their sins to Jesus, asking
forgiveness and believing that He pardons them, just as He received
the children when He was personally on earth.
As the mother teaches her children to obey her because they love
her, she is teaching them the first lesson in the Christian life. The
mother’s love represents to the child the love of Christ, and the little
ones who trust and obey their mother are learning to trust and obey
the Savior.
Jesus was also the father’s example. His word had power, yet
even with rude and violent men He did not use one unkind or dis-
courteous expression. The grace of Christ in the heart will soften
whatever is harsh and subdue everything that is coarse and unkind.