JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to accept children with God’s love.

Jesus called a little child and had him stand among His disciples. Then He taught in Matthew 18:5, “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”

Jesus loves children. He demonstrated that in His earthly ministry with His prayers and affection. When the disciples wanted to keep the children away from Jesus, He called the children to come closer.

That is what can happen when we welcome a child in Jesus’ name-whether it’s helping with children’s ministry at church, or by becoming a sponsor for a child in another country to help them with daily necessities. Our loving outreach to them will give them a glimpse of how much Jesus loves them.

Accepting Children with God’s love is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com