Childlike faith is more than innocence, it's wholehearted trust, wonder, and joy in the presence of a loving Father. Jesus Himself praised the simplicity and sincerity of children’s belief, urging us to return to that same place of openness and dependence.
In a world full of complexity, the Bible invites us back to the purity of faith that delights in God without reservation. These 19 verses capture the heart of childlike faith, reminding us to trust, to rejoice, and to approach God with awe, humility, and unshakable confidence in His goodness.
1. Entering the Kingdom with Trust: Matthew 18:3
"And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"
This verse is foundational for understanding childlike faith. Jesus isn’t talking about immaturity, He’s calling us to the humility, dependency, and open-hearted trust children have. A child doesn’t worry about provision; they trust their parent implicitly. That’s the posture God desires in us. Faith like a child’s means we don’t need all the answers, we simply need the assurance that our Father is good.
2. The Pure Praise of Children: Matthew 21:16
"'Do you hear what these children are saying?' they asked him. 'Yes,' replied Jesus, 'have you never read, "From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise"?'
Children praise God with sincerity and without hesitation. Their expressions of joy and admiration come naturally and without filters. Jesus reminded the religious leaders that God delights in such pure praise. In this verse, we see that childlike faith doesn’t need elaborate rituals, it simply rejoices in God’s presence and truth with heartfelt worship.
3. Trusting Without Fear: Psalm 56:3
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
This simple verse captures the essence of childlike trust. Children may be afraid, but they quickly turn to those they trust for comfort. The psalmist models this same kind of faith, admitting fear but choosing to lean on God. Childlike faith doesn’t deny fear exists; it just knows exactly where to run when fear creeps in.
4. A Heart Ready to Believe: Mark 10:15
"Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving the Kingdom with the openness of a child. Children receive gifts with joy, not suspicion. They accept love freely and believe what they are told with simple faith. This verse reminds us that the Gospel isn’t earned or understood by intellect alone, it must be received with a heart ready to believe.
5. The Lord’s Compassion for the Small: Isaiah 40:11
"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart…"
Children are like lambs, vulnerable, dependent, and precious. This verse paints a beautiful image of God’s care for the youngest and weakest among us. It’s not just about literal children, but about anyone who comes to Him with childlike faith. His response is gentle, protective, and full of compassion.
6. Dependence without Worry: Matthew 6:26
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them…"
Children don’t stress over the future, they assume their needs will be met. Jesus uses birds as an example of that same carefree trust we should have. If God provides for them, how much more will He care for us? Childlike faith embraces this truth and lives in freedom from anxiety.
7. God’s Delight in the Innocent: Proverbs 22:6
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
This verse speaks both to the importance of nurturing faith in children and the power of childlike beginnings. When faith is sown early, it creates deep roots that often remain for life. Childlike faith formed in youth can carry over into adulthood, grounding us in God’s truth with joyful certainty.
8. Faith That Pleases God: Hebrews 11:6
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
At its core, childlike faith believes two things: God is real, and God is good. Children don’t need proof, they just believe what they’re told by someone they trust. This verse reminds us that faith that pleases God doesn’t need all the details, it needs sincerity, eagerness, and expectation.
9. Rejoicing in Salvation: Isaiah 12:3
"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."
Children know how to celebrate! This verse connects joy with salvation, much like a child dances at good news. When we grasp the depth of what God has done, we can’t help but respond with joy. Childlike faith is never dull or distant; it overflows with gladness in the Lord.
10. Being God’s Child: Romans 8:16
"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."
There’s something deeply comforting about being called a child of God. This identity brings security, inheritance, and belonging. Childlike faith embraces this truth with wide-eyed wonder, knowing we don’t have to prove ourselves to be accepted. We simply are His.
11. Trusting in God’s Strength: Psalm 28:7
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me."
This verse reflects the kind of trust a child places in a protector. When trouble comes, children don’t rely on their own strength, they run to someone stronger. That’s exactly what childlike faith does, it trusts that God will come through, protect, and guide, even when we feel powerless.
12. Joyful Simplicity: Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Children are masters of joy. They find delight in the smallest things and laugh without reservation. Paul calls believers to that same kind of continuous, unrestrained joy in God. Childlike faith doesn’t wait for ideal conditions to rejoice, it celebrates God always, just because He is worthy.
13. God’s Nearness to the Humble: Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Children cry openly and run to comfort without shame. God responds to us the same way. He draws near when our hearts are soft and open. Childlike faith isn’t about always being strong, it’s about knowing where to turn when we’re not. In our vulnerability, He is near.
14. Delighting in God’s Word: Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
A child treasures stories, especially ones that give comfort or guidance. God’s Word lights the way for us, and childlike faith clings to that light. Rather than demanding to see the full road, it’s content walking one step at a time, trusting that God leads well.
15. Receiving with Joy: James 1:17
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…"
Children are experts at receiving gifts with enthusiasm and gratitude. This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate gift-giver. Childlike faith doesn’t question His motives, it celebrates His generosity with thankfulness and awe. Every blessing is seen as a sign of His love.
16. Holding Nothing Back: 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 echoes earlier words from Jesus, again reinforcing how vital it is to have childlike receptivity. Children don’t hold back their feelings or their acceptance. They don’t approach with skepticism. God desires us to receive His kingdom the same way, with openness, enthusiasm, and no strings attached.
17. Overflowing with Hope: Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…"
Hope and joy go hand in hand with faith. This verse captures how trust in God fills us, not just with belief, but with emotional fullness too. Childlike faith doesn’t limit God’s ability, it expects joy and peace as natural outcomes of trusting Him.
18. The Strength of the Young: Psalm 8:2
"Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold…"
Even the smallest voices have power when directed toward God. This verse reminds us that children’s praise isn’t weak or unimportant, it’s spiritually potent. Childlike faith isn’t naïve, it’s bold, declaring truth and glory with a strength that disarms the enemy and delights the Father.
19. Secure in His Hands: John 10:28
"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Children feel secure when held by someone they trust. Jesus gives us that same assurance, we are safe in His hands forever. Childlike faith rests in that promise, knowing we’re not just momentarily protected, but eternally secure. Nothing can separate us from His care.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.