Despise Not Little Ones

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Where this command is found:

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 18:10

Have you ever been tempted to grow impatient with someone who is less mature than you? What about a person who lacks manners and struggles to demonstrate a love for others? Or maybe even a little child that is constantly getting on your nerves?

We are to be understanding of the shortcomings of others and in Matthew 18:10, Jesus specifically commands us as believers not to despise “little ones.” But who are little ones? Little ones can include both little children as well as those who have just received Jesus as their Savior and are young in their faith. In either case, we are to value them as God values them despite their immaturity.

But how do we learn to value them the way God does? The key to answering this question is found in learning to view little ones as God views them. It is only when we receive God’s heart on this matter that our attitudes and actions will begin to change. Considering the following three truths will help us understand the importance of not despising little ones:

1. God Loves Me

God loved me even before I loved Him. He loved me despite my inabilities and failures. In fact, God loved me when I was His enemy and sacrificed Himself so that I could be forgiven of my sins and receive His love for me. Remembering this simple but profound truth is the foundation for loving others!

2. We Enter the Kingdom of Heaven as a Little Child

One of the most profound truths we can learn from little ones is their childlike faith. Jesus said that unless you are converted and become as a little child, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:3). Even though a child or a young believer still needs to grow, we can still learn from them invaluable lessons!

3. The Smaller the Estimation I have of Myself, the More I Can Be Used

One of the secrets to being the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven is learning to become the least. If we desire to mature in our walk with God, we must stay completely dependent upon our Heavenly Father just like a child is dependent on their parents. It is when I learn to daily humble myself as a little child, that God can use me and He gets the glory!

Without the enabling power of God in me, it is impossible to fulfill this command. It is therefore paramount that I humble myself, receive God’s grace and engraft this command into my heart so that I can become a channel of His love to little ones.

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Episodes

Despise Not Little Ones — Part 2

We’re often impatient with those less mature than us. But it’s so important for us to humble ourselves and realize that we are “little children” completely dependent on our Heavenly Father.

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Despise Not Little Ones — Part 3

It's easy to believe that we need to become something great in order to be used by God. Often the reason God isn't able to use us is not because we are too weak, but because we are too strong in ourselves.

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