Faith Like a Child
Verses Used:
- Matthew 18:1–6
- Matthew 18:21–35
- Ephesians 4:31–32
- Colossians 3:13
- Romans 12:19
Devotional
Matthew 18 speaks deeply about two things that many people struggle with: faith and forgiveness. At first they may seem like separate teachings, but Jesus connects them for a reason.
When the disciples asked who would be greatest in the kingdom, Jesus called a child to Himself and said that unless we become like little children, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Children trust fully. They believe quickly. They love deeply. And one of the most beautiful things about children is how fast they are willing to forgive.
A child may cry after being hurt, but many times moments later they are already ready to love again. They do not naturally carry the same pride, bitterness, and grudges that adults often hold onto for years. That childlike heart reflects something Jesus wants inside of us spiritually.
Later in Matthew 18, Jesus teaches again about forgiveness when Peter asks how many times he should forgive someone. Jesus responds with “seventy times seven,” showing that forgiveness is not meant to have limits. Why? Because God’s mercy toward us has no limits.
We are called to forgive because we have been forgiven.
Sometimes people think forgiveness means pretending nothing happened. It does not. Forgiveness does not always mean allowing someone back into your life or trusting them again immediately. Boundaries can still be necessary. Wisdom still matters. But forgiveness means releasing the pain, anger, and revenge into God’s hands instead of carrying it in your own heart.
Romans 12 reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. It is not our place to hold hatred or seek repayment. God is just. He sees every wound, every betrayal, and every hidden hurt. Nothing escapes Him. Our job is not to become the judge. Our job is to trust our Father like a child trusts a loving parent.
That is why faith and forgiveness belong together.
It takes childlike faith to truly forgive.
It takes faith to believe God will heal what hurt you.
It takes faith to believe God sees the injustice.
It takes faith to let go of bitterness when your flesh wants to hold onto it.
It takes faith to release people into God’s hands instead of trying to carry the weight yourself.
Forgiveness is not for them as much as it is for you. Bitterness hardens the heart, but forgiveness allows God to soften it again. It makes room for peace where pain once lived. It allows love to flow where anger tried to take root.
Ephesians 4 tells us to put away bitterness, wrath, and anger, and instead be kindhearted and forgiving toward one another just as God forgave us through Christ.
That is the heart of a childlike believer.
Not weak.
Not naive.
But trusting.
Quick to forgive.
Quick to love.
Quick to run back to the Father.
The world teaches us to hold grudges, protect pride, and “get even.” But Jesus teaches us to surrender hurt to Him and walk in freedom instead of chains.
Faith like a child.
Forgiveness like the Father.
That is the heart Jesus is calling us toward.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the mercy You show me every single day. Thank You for forgiving me even when I fall short. Help me to have faith like a child — trusting You fully and surrendering every hurt into Your hands. Remove bitterness, pride, and unforgiveness from my heart. Teach me to forgive the way You forgive me. Give me wisdom to set healthy boundaries where needed, but never allow hatred to take root inside me. Fill the places of pain with Your peace and love. Help me walk in freedom and trust You with justice. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
0 Comments