Having children

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Joseph33

New member
Jul 16, 2021
17
9
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36
Indiana
#1
I'd like to hear from others who have had children or are considering doing so ...how did it change your relationship with Christ, or did it? I myself have never been married or had children of my own, but have at times been a father to the fatherless...
 

Robertt

Well-known member
May 22, 2019
899
320
63
Bahrain
#2
didn't change my relationship . it just filled a hole in my life . that i didn't know i had.

The first time i held my son my heart raced with new love i didnt even know i had. then when the girls came a few years later even more love flowed. there was no limit.
 

Live4Him3

Jesus is Lord
May 19, 2022
1,383
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#3
Well, I don't know if you've ever seen the original "How the Grinch stole Christmas" or not, but there's a scene in there where the Grinch's heart grows many sizes. That's basically what happened to me when my first daughter was born, and then again when my second daughter and son were born.

I honestly never knew that a human being could love anyone as much as I love my children. They're constantly in my heart and mind, and every time I even think about them, I see them from the day that they were born unto their present ages.

They're truly a blessing from God.

How did it change my relationship with Christ?

Knowing how much I, as a father, love my children, it overwhelmed me to think how much my heavenly Father must love me in Christ.
 

timf

New member
Jul 7, 2022
19
14
3
#4
There is a saying that the cure for the disease of adolescence is parenthood. It often forces a transition from the natural selfishness of childhood to the selflessness required of parents. In 1 Cor 13:4-7 the biblical definition of love is pretty much selflessness. As we grow and become parents, we follow the path designed by God to help us learn this selfless love. This is the same love he showed us when Jesus went to the cross.
 

JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
6,235
2,530
113
#5
There is a saying that the cure for the disease of adolescence is parenthood. It often forces a transition from the natural selfishness of childhood to the selflessness required of parents. In 1 Cor 13:4-7 the biblical definition of love is pretty much selflessness. As we grow and become parents, we follow the path designed by God to help us learn this selfless love. This is the same love he showed us when Jesus went to the cross.
Well....unfortunately that isn't always the case.
Narcissists raise children too. There's a whole bunch of forums and youtube videos about Adult Children of Narcissists.

But I like the way you think just the same.

And welcome to the forum!
 

timf

New member
Jul 7, 2022
19
14
3
#6
Thank you for your comment. I perhaps wasn't clear. I was describing the way God wants it to work. Humans have the capcity for free will and often use it counter to what God would prefer.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,424
9,407
113
#7
There is a saying that the cure for the disease of adolescence is parenthood.
I got a new saying for ya. Sunday School/Church bus is the cure for wanting kids. :p I've done both, and even doing one will clear that "wanting kids" stuff right up.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
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#8
Well....unfortunately that isn't always the case.
Narcissists raise children too. There's a whole bunch of forums and youtube videos about Adult Children of Narcissists.

But I like the way you think just the same.

And welcome to the forum!
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#9
opps meant to reply and say

Theres books too, if you dont want to join those somewhat depressing forums or watch yout tube videos

Or you can watch Absolutely Fabulous for some light relief. I dont doubt theres many children of hippy parents who grow up pretty much raising themselves.
 

Joseph33

New member
Jul 16, 2021
17
9
3
36
Indiana
#10
Well, I don't know if you've ever seen the original "How the Grinch stole Christmas" or not, but there's a scene in there where the Grinch's heart grows many sizes. That's basically what happened to me when my first daughter was born, and then again when my second daughter and son were born.

I honestly never knew that a human being could love anyone as much as I love my children. They're constantly in my heart and mind, and every time I even think about them, I see them from the day that they were born unto their present ages.

They're truly a blessing from God.

How did it change my relationship with Christ?

Knowing how much I, as a father, love my children, it overwhelmed me to think how much my heavenly Father must love me in Christ.
That's beautiful
 
S

SimpleSheep

Guest
#11
I got a new saying for ya. Sunday School/Church bus is the cure for wanting kids. :p I've done both, and even doing one will clear that "wanting kids" stuff right up.
You know what else cures baby fever? The price of groceries! I don't know how parents afford to feed their kids. And I know teenagers eat a lot! It's rough out there.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,424
9,407
113
#12
You know what else cures baby fever? The price of groceries! I don't know how parents afford to feed their kids. And I know teenagers eat a lot! It's rough out there.
No joke!

"Son do you EVER get full?!"
"Naw... But sometimes I get tired of chewing."
 

Karol

New member
Apr 7, 2022
8
7
3
#13
LOL Gulp! Dare I say that I have five grown children in their teens and twenties and my love for them just grows and grows. Every stage of their life has been a joy and I can't get enough of them. My desire is to make sure each and every one makes it to heaven in the far future.
 

Live4Him3

Jesus is Lord
May 19, 2022
1,383
640
113
#14
LOL Gulp! Dare I say that I have five grown children in their teens and twenties and my love for them just grows and grows. Every stage of their life has been a joy and I can't get enough of them. My desire is to make sure each and every one makes it to heaven in the far future.
Amen.

I've got three teenagers myself. A 19-year-old daughter, a 16-year-old daughter, and a son who turns 15 this Sunday.

When I first became a father, all sorts of people started warning me about "the terrible twos" and a host of other things that never materialized. I've absolutely loved my children every step of the way, and, yes, my desire also is to do everything within my power to ensure that they all make it into God's kingdom one day. Of course, they all have their own free wills, but I'm trying my best to lead them in that direction, and I pray for them constantly.

I hope that it works out perfectly for you and all of your children in the end.
 

Live4Him3

Jesus is Lord
May 19, 2022
1,383
640
113
#15
You know what else cures baby fever? The price of groceries! I don't know how parents afford to feed their kids. And I know teenagers eat a lot! It's rough out there.
Parenting is no joke.

In fact, it's a life of self-sacrifice.

That said, I wouldn't trade my children for anything in the world.

Absolute treasures from heaven...but it is a lot of work trying to steer them all in the right direction in this present evil world.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,424
9,407
113
#16
LOL Gulp! Dare I say that I have five grown children in their teens and twenties and my love for them just grows and grows. Every stage of their life has been a joy and I can't get enough of them. My desire is to make sure each and every one makes it to heaven in the far future.
No "Gulp!" about it. Don't let us dissuade you from being proud of your kids. We're single and have never had any, so what do we know? ;)

I will say this: When my 90 year old Grandma has a problem she doesn't have it for long because her kids will take care of it. If the kitchen drain breaks or the toilet won't stop filling or the water heater quits, uncle Fred, uncle Brent and probably aunt Diane will be there before the day is over... and they went by Lowe's on the way there.
 

TheNarrowPath

Well-known member
Jul 17, 2022
1,012
548
113
#17
I'd like to hear from others who have had children or are considering doing so ...how did it change your relationship with Christ, or did it? I myself have never been married or had children of my own, but have at times been a father to the fatherless...
I dont know you but you sound AWESOME to take on other peoples children!!
Having offspring meant that every time I got really bigheaded about myself it impacted my child so I learned not to mess with God cause God blessed me with a child, he can take my child away. I may not have been the best daughter or sister or friend but I tried my best and still do, being the best mother I can be.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#18
You know what else cures baby fever? The price of groceries! I don't know how parents afford to feed their kids. And I know teenagers eat a lot! It's rough out there.
the teenagers get jobs at the supermarket pushing trollies and as checkout people (though many are now self serve) OR work at maccas which Im sure probably gives them a free meal in exchange for working
 

Hazelelponi

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2019
609
397
63
USA
#19
I'd like to hear from others who have had children or are considering doing so ...how did it change your relationship with Christ, or did it? I myself have never been married or had children of my own, but have at times been a father to the fatherless...
I didn't experience knowing Christ when my children were young, my daughter died of cancer before I came to Christ and my son was already over 30...

However, I can't imagine having children doing anything other than to give you a greater understanding of the love Christ has for you as well as a greater understanding of God's discipline.

There's pretty much nothing I wouldn't do for my children, and employed solid discipline when they needed it - so then your understanding of our relationship with God makes good sense. It's easier to accept the "no's" and look for the lesson to be learned, and the cross makes good sense too having been a parent.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,704
6,892
113
#20
I'd like to hear from others who have had children or are considering doing so ...how did it change your relationship with Christ, or did it? I myself have never been married or had children of my own, but have at times been a father to the fatherless...
Having children.

Having a root canal.

Pretty much one in the same.......

Both will drive you closer and more dependent on Christ for your sanity