8205 childlikeness

An attitude of simple trust and faith, to be distinguished from childishness. It is commended by Scripture as an appropriate attitude for the believer to take towards God.

God treats his people like children

Ps 103:13 See also Nu 11:12; Isa 49:15; Isa 66:13; Jer 31:20; Hos 11:1-4; Ro 8:14-17; Gal 4:1-7

God’s people should respond to God as children to a parent

In trust Ps 131:2

In obedience 1Pe 1:14

In humility Lk 9:46-48 pp Mt 18:2-5 pp Mk 9:33-37 See also 1Ki 3:7 Solomon

In innocence Mk 10:13-15 pp Mt 19:13-14 pp Lk 18:15-17 See also Lk 10:21

In imitating a model Eph 5:1-2 See also 1Jn 3:10

Childlikeness is reflected in pastoral care

1Th 2:7 See also 1Jn 2:28

Childlikeness is to be distinguished from immature childishness

1Co 3:1-3 See also Heb 5:12-6:1

See also