"Scriptures reveal that children are God's gifts to us." I love how this chapter starts! She goes on to list some of the scripture that reveals that truth to us.
How should we receive a gift? My thoughts are that we should receive it thankfully and graciously. Campbell goes on to explain that the Greek word for receive means "to accept a gift deliberately and readily; to receive heartily; reaching out eagerly to receive something; looking for; waiting with earnest expectation." Do you "receive" your children (and possible children) like that?
Scripture also teaches us that conception is a visitation from God. Many times when the scriptures is telling us about when someone had a baby, they had been visited by God (Genesis 21:1 and 1 Samuel 2:20-21 are two great examples).
Campbell points out the reasons why God gives us children. According to Genesis 1:28, it is to procreate the earth. Jeremiah 30:19b tells us it is to honor us through glorifying God. God wants to do something good for us through the gift of children according to a number of different scriptures. Children give us joy and delight--"Happy is the man who has his quiver full of children" (Psalm 127:5). Another reason we are gifted with children is for service to God. The more children Christians have, the more warriors for God! Children are also a gift to the nations. Just think about the differences children make to our country. Psalm 127 also tells us that children will defend and protect us against the enemy (Satan). Children help us; many hands make light work. While I know that for most people it isn't the case, but children are supposed to take care of their parents when we are older. A number of scriptures point this out; unfortunately, not many people (Christians included), follow this command. And the ultimate reason why God gifts children to us is for Himself! When we raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, He receives all the glory!
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