December 7, 2017 – Matthew 18:2-3

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.  Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:2-3.

An innocent child is a precious treasure, a gift from God.  When does the feeling of guilt first arise in the heart of the young?  Oh, how we love the innocent baby, Holding this sinless baby gives us a picture humility and love.

One way to return to the innocence of childhood is to live these verses from Philippians 4:4-5 – Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

For those who need a list of to do’s. Philippians continues with these words in 4:6-9.  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

What is our motivation for all love, and caring for a child?  In Jesus’ Name.  When we give our love to a child, In Jesus’ Name, we welcome Jesus and His faithful love.  His love changes our hearts forever!

So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” Matthew 18:4-5.