Is it wise to try and find a Bible verse for them to understand, or should I wait until they have a more mature understanding of spiritual things?

on Apr 20, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Children amaze me with their questions. I protect my children from listening and watching the wrong things, so I make sure they are looking at wholesome books and watching good programs carefully selected to instill in them the right values. When they ask questions, is it wise to try and find a Bible verse for them to understand, or should I wait until they have a more mature understanding of spiritual things? – I.M.

A: Young children can ask the most amazing questions about God and Heaven! And when they do, we shouldn’t ignore them or act like their questions aren’t important – because they are.

When children ask about God, we must do our best to answer simply and honestly in terms they can understand. Of course, they don’t need deep and complicated answers, but just because they can’t understand everything about God doesn’t mean they can’t understand something about Him. We may not understand electricity, but it doesn’t mean we can’t turn on a light switch.

Adults need to ask God for patience also, because children have a way of asking questions until we run out of answers! We should be thankful for their interest in spiritual things and do all we can to encourage them, making it fun and challenging to choose a Bible verse to memorize, or a particular Bible story to read and help them retell it. We should do all that is possible to let them know that the things of God are important in life. They can begin to sense the love of Jesus through our love for them.

Jesus told His disciples to let the children come to Him (see Mark 10:14), and He continues to open His arms to them centuries later. Jesus cares; we must encourage them in their learning of Him.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)