45+Bible Verses About Childlike Faith

“Childlike faith brings simplicity and trust, reminding us to rely on God with innocence and openness.”

Faith is one of the central aspects of Christian life, and it is often presented in the Bible as something pure and simple. Childlike faith is a theme that runs through various passages of scripture, illustrating the importance of trusting in God with the humility and trust of a child. Jesus often used children to teach powerful lessons about faith, and His words remind us to embrace a simple, unshakable trust in God’s will. In this post, we will explore several Bible verses about childlike faith and interpret their meanings in a way that encourages readers to deepen their relationship with God.

Faith isn’t just about believing in something; it’s about trusting God in a way that transcends doubt, fear, or intellectual complexity. The Bible teaches us that, like children, we should approach our faith with a pure heart, trusting in God’s goodness and love. When we look at the world through the lens of childlike faith, we recognize that God is our loving Father, and we are His children, fully dependent on Him for guidance, protection, and strength. These Bible verses give us a glimpse into what this type of faith looks like and why it is so important for our spiritual lives.

Understanding childlike faith doesn’t mean we need to act like literal children, but rather to embrace the characteristics that children exhibit: trust, humility, and dependence on someone greater than themselves. As we reflect on the Bible verses about childlike faith, let’s explore the teachings of Jesus and other scriptures that reveal the true heart of this faith.

Bible Verses About Childlike Faith

Matthew 18:3

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

In this verse, Jesus calls His followers to change and adopt the qualities of childlike faith. Children are innocent, humble, and trust in others completely. Jesus is telling us that we must approach God with this same attitude — one of complete trust and openness. Humility is key in this passage; children do not try to manipulate or control situations, they simply trust their parents. For us, that translates into trusting God’s will over our own and acknowledging our need for His guidance.

Mark 10:15

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Mark’s version of this verse reaffirms that to enter God’s kingdom, we must approach Him with childlike faith. It’s not about being childish or immature, but about recognizing our vulnerability and complete dependence on God. Children are open to receiving love and guidance without hesitation, and this is how we should receive God’s grace — with openness and trust.

Luke 18:17

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

This verse mirrors Mark 10:15, further emphasizing the need for childlike faith to enter the kingdom of God. The key takeaway here is the receptiveness of children. Children are quick to accept what is offered to them, just as we must accept God’s kingdom with eager hearts, willing to receive His blessings and guidance without doubt or resistance.

Matthew 19:14

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

In this passage, Jesus shows His love and compassion for children, highlighting their importance in God’s kingdom. He emphasizes that children embody the kind of faith that is required to enter the kingdom — one that is pure, simple, and without pretense. Jesus calls us to welcome and learn from their childlike trust in Him.

Mark 10:14

“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'”

This verse reflects Jesus’ deep concern for the children and His desire for everyone, including adults, to possess the characteristics of children when it comes to faith. Jesus’ indignation here reveals how important it is to embrace the purity of childlike faith, which is marked by trust, openness, and dependency on God.

Luke 18:16

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'”

Once again, Jesus calls for children to come to Him, teaching us that the kingdom of God is for those who trust with the openness of a child. He encourages us not to dismiss the simplicity of childlike faith, as it is a model of total trust in God’s care and provision.

Matthew 18:4

“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

This verse underscores the idea that humility and dependence on God are essential traits of great faith. Jesus highlights that to be great in the kingdom of heaven, one must be willing to humble themselves and adopt the posture of a child — reliant and trusting in the goodness of God.

Mark 10:16

“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”

Here, we see Jesus demonstrating His love for children by blessing them. This act of blessing highlights the value of childlike faith in God’s eyes. Children are receptive to God’s love, and this serves as a reminder for us to trust in God’s compassion and care, knowing He desires to bless us just as He did the children.

Luke 10:21

“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.'”

This passage shows the joy of Jesus in recognizing the humility and simplicity of children. The wisdom of the world can often cloud our understanding, but Jesus praises God for revealing His truths to those with childlike humility and openness. It’s a reminder that childlike faith is not about intellect but about heart and spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:20

“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.”

In this verse, Paul contrasts childlike innocence with mature understanding. While we should maintain childlike qualities in our faith, we must also strive for spiritual maturity in other aspects of our lives. Childlike faith involves trusting God completely, but it does not mean being naive or uninformed about the world around us.

Bible Verses About Family Falling Apart

Jesus’ Teaching on Childlike Faith

Matthew 18:3

In this verse, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This is a call to humility and simplicity. Childlike faith is a faith that does not overcomplicate things but embraces God’s promises with a simple heart. Children trust easily, without doubting the goodness of their caregivers, and in the same way, we are called to trust God with that same pure heart.

Mark 10:15

Jesus emphasizes in Mark 10:15, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Here, Jesus reinforces the idea that faith must be received with a child’s openness and humility. Childlike faith involves trusting God’s kingdom with wonder, embracing it as something to be received with gratitude, just as a child would receive a gift from a loving parent.

Luke 18:17

In Luke 18:17, Jesus reiterates, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” The verse reinforces the truth that childlike faith is not about intellectual understanding but rather about receiving God’s message with a heart of simplicity and trust.

Matthew 19:14

When the disciples tried to stop children from coming to Jesus, He rebuked them in Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus is showing that childlike faith is essential for entering the kingdom of God. Children are naturally open, trusting, and receptive to love, making them an example of how we should approach God.

Mark 10:14

In Mark 10:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me. Do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” This verse teaches us that children’s natural trust and reliance on God is a model for us. Childlike faith doesn’t come with barriers or pride, but with a willingness to approach God with a pure heart.

Humility and Trust in God

Matthew 18:4

In Matthew 18:4, Jesus says, “Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Humility is a key component of childlike faith. Children do not seek to elevate themselves but rely on others. By taking the lowly position of a child, we express trust in God’s sovereignty and His love for us.

Matthew 18:2-4

These verses show the connection between humility and childlike faith. Jesus calls a child to Him and says that unless we become like a child, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. True greatness in God’s eyes is measured by our humility and ability to trust God without self-reliance.

Luke 9:46-48

In this passage, Jesus explains that the greatest in God’s kingdom are those who have the humility of a child. Children do not strive for recognition or power, and this is the kind of attitude that God honors. Childlike faith involves surrendering pride and trusting in God’s perfect plan for us.

James 4:6

James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” The key to growing in childlike faith is embracing humility. Pride can prevent us from trusting God fully, while humility opens the door to deeper faith and intimacy with Him.

1 Peter 5:5-6

Peter writes, “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” Humility is vital for growing in childlike faith, and it involves submitting ourselves to God’s care, trusting that He will lift us up when the time is right.

Faith and Trust in God’s Care

Matthew 6:25-26

In Matthew 6:25-26, Jesus teaches not to worry, saying, “Do not worry about your life… Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap… and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” This is a lesson in trusting God for our needs, just as a child trusts a parent to provide.

Matthew 6:31-33

In these verses, Jesus says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ … But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus teaches that when we trust God first and foremost, He will provide for all our needs, just like a parent provides for a child.

Philippians 4:6-7

Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is the peace that comes from trusting God completely with our lives.

Psalm 55:22

David writes in Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Childlike faith means trusting God’s care, knowing He will sustain us no matter what challenges we face.

1 Peter 5:7

Peter writes, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This verse reinforces the truth that God is a loving Father who cares deeply for us. Childlike faith means trusting that God is always looking out for us and is ready to provide comfort and peace.

Childlike Trust in God’s Promises

Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” This verse highlights the certainty and trust that comes with childlike faith—a complete confidence in God’s promises, even when we cannot see the outcome.

Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” To approach God, we must have the kind of childlike faith that fully believes in His power and goodness, without doubt or hesitation.

Romans 4:20-21

Romans 4:20-21 speaks of Abraham’s faith, saying that he was “fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.” Abraham’s faith is a perfect example of childlike trust, where God’s promises are trusted without question.

James 1:6-8

James 1:6-8 teaches that when we ask God for wisdom, we should believe and not doubt, “because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Childlike faith does not doubt but trusts confidently in God’s goodness and ability to deliver on His promises.

Mark 11:23-24

In Mark 11:23-24, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” This teaches that childlike faith involves trusting that God can do the impossible.

Dependence on God’s Strength and Guidance

Isaiah 40:29-31

Isaiah 40:29-31 emphasizes that God gives strength to the weary and power to the weak. This passage encourages us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. Childlike faith is about acknowledging that we are not self-sufficient and that we need God’s help in every moment. Just as children rely on their parents for support, we must depend on God for guidance and strength.

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 teaches us that, through Christ, we have the strength to face any challenge. Childlike faith involves trusting that God will equip us with the strength we need, no matter the situation.

Psalm 121:1-2

In Psalm 121:1-2, the psalmist looks to the hills, asking, “Where does my help come from?” The answer is that our help comes from the Lord. A childlike faith acknowledges that God is our ultimate source of help, and we do not have to look anywhere else.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. This is a key aspect of childlike faith: trust in God’s wisdom and guidance, even when we don’t fully understand His plan.

Isaiah 41:10

Isaiah 41:10 assures us that God is with us, and we should not fear because He will strengthen and help us. This verse teaches us that we can trust in God’s presence and care, just like a child feels secure when they know their parents are close by.

God’s Delight in Childlike Trust

Psalm 147:11

Psalm 147:11 reveals that God delights in those who fear and hope in His unfailing love. Childlike faith involves both trust and reverence, acknowledging that God’s love is perfect and that He will never fail us.

Proverbs 3:11-12

In Proverbs 3:11-12, the Bible teaches that the Lord disciplines those He loves. This childlike trust is not based on a perfect life, but on knowing that God loves us and desires the best for us—even in times of correction and discipline.

Zephaniah 3:17

Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us that God takes great joy in His people. A childlike faith recognizes the immense love that God has for us and the joy He feels when we trust Him.

Matthew 11:25-26

Matthew 11:25-26 highlights how God has revealed His truth to those who have a childlike faith. Jesus praises the Father for hiding wisdom from the wise and revealing it to the little children. This shows that God takes pleasure in those who approach Him with humility and trust.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us that God chooses the weak and the foolish to shame the wise and the strong. A childlike faith recognizes that we do not need to be powerful or wise in the world’s eyes to receive God’s favor.

Childlike Faith as a Model for Believers

Matthew 18:5

In Matthew 18:5, Jesus says, “Whoever welcomes one such child in My name welcomes Me.” Jesus teaches that we should model our faith after children—humble, pure, and dependent on God for everything.

Mark 9:37

Mark 9:37 reinforces the importance of receiving the kingdom of God like a little child. A childlike faith is one that is open, receiving, and trusting—uncomplicated by pride or self-sufficiency.

Luke 9:48

In Luke 9:48, Jesus teaches that whoever is the least among us is the greatest. Childlike faith involves humility and a willingness to trust God fully, no matter our social status or achievements.

Romans 8:16-17

Romans 8:16-17 explains that we are heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ, if we share in His sufferings. This is an aspect of childlike faith: recognizing our identity in God and trusting that He has a good plan for us, even through challenges.

Galatians 3:26

Galatians 3:26 tells us that we are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. This speaks to the purity and simplicity of faith that believers should have—trusting in God as His children.

Simple Trust in God’s Provision

Matthew 6:26

Matthew 6:26 invites us to consider the birds of the air, who do not sow or reap, yet are fed by God. Childlike faith is trusting that God will provide for our needs, just as He provides for His creation.

Matthew 6:30

In Matthew 6:30, Jesus reassures us that if God cares for the flowers of the field, He will surely care for us. This simple trust in God’s provision is a hallmark of childlike faith.

Matthew 7:11

Matthew 7:11 promises that if we, being imperfect parents, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our Heavenly Father give to those who ask Him. Childlike faith trusts that God is good and will provide for us.

Luke 12:29-31

Luke 12:29-31 teaches that we should not worry about what we will eat or wear, as God knows our needs. We are to seek His kingdom first, and He will provide everything else.

Philippians 4:19

Philippians 4:19 promises that God will meet all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. A childlike faith trusts that God will meet our needs, even when we don’t see how.

The Simplicity of Childlike Faith

2 Corinthians 11:3

Paul expresses concern that the Corinthians might be led astray from the simple and pure devotion to Christ. Childlike faith is not complicated—it is pure, direct, and wholehearted.

1 Corinthians 14:20

1 Corinthians 14:20 encourages us to be mature in understanding, but to remain childlike in our thinking, especially when it comes to matters of faith. A childlike faith is simple and trusting, without overthinking or overcomplicating things.

Matthew 18:10

Matthew 18:10 tells us not to despise children, for their angels in heaven always see the face of God. This verse highlights the value God places on childlike faith—simple, innocent, and trusting.

Mark 9:42

Mark 9:42 warns against causing little ones who believe in Jesus to stumble. This emphasizes the importance of protecting and nurturing childlike faith, recognizing its purity and value in God’s eyes.

Mark 10:13-16

Mark 10:13-16 shows Jesus welcoming little children, saying that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them. Childlike faith is trusting, humble, and open to receiving the grace of God.

Bible verses about childlike faith

Biblical Principle	Application	Scripture Reference
Trust in God with innocence	Approach God with simplicity and trust, without overthinking or doubt.	Matthew 18:3
Humility in faith	Humble yourself like a child to receive God’s kingdom.	Matthew 18:4
Complete dependence on God	Depend on God’s guidance and provision, like a child depends on their parent.	Matthew 6:26
Sincere love for Jesus	Embrace God’s love and care with the heart of a child.	Mark 10:14

Key Insight

What is childlike faith?

Childlike faith is a simple, trusting belief in God, marked by humility and dependence, much like a child trusts their parents.

Why is childlike faith important?

Childlike faith helps us fully depend on God, trusting His wisdom, love, and provision for our lives.

How can I cultivate childlike faith?

Cultivate childlike faith by letting go of doubts, trusting God’s promises, and approaching Him with humility and simplicity.

Can childlike faith help in tough times?

Yes, it allows you to trust God’s guidance and provision during difficult moments, bringing peace and strength.

What are the benefits of childlike faith?

Childlike faith brings security, peace, and a closer relationship with God, allowing us to experience His love more fully.

Conclusion:

Childlike faith is an essential component of the Christian journey. It allows us to trust in God’s love, wisdom, and provision without reservation or doubt. As we grow in faith, we are called to maintain the simplicity, humility, and trust that children naturally possess. By embracing childlike faith, we can experience a deeper connection with God, and His promises will bring us peace and strength in every situation.