Reflection:  So far in this series, we have spent most of our time thinking about what it is to be a child of God, and how Jesus is the ultimate child of God. But the opening page of the Bible offers another angle on the family portrait of God’s children. From the kick-off of creation, God has given his attention to his children. Not only did God forge his first ever children in his own image – “male and female he created them” – in the next breath he told those divinely inspired kids to have babies. The way God instructed people to procreate was eloquent and to the point, hinting at his approval for the world to increase in image bearers. However, as we again marvel at God’s gift to humanity of being able to reproduce itself, remember that pregnancy is not a guarantee to all. While we rightly should cheer at God’s gracious provision of procreation, may you and I never compound the grief, anger, and confusion of someone unable to have children.

Question: What are some of the amazing aspects of God gifting people with the ability to have children of their own? How can you or I be more sensitive and considerate of those unable to have children?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of children. I ask that parents everywhere love their children with the love you have for Jesus and for us. I also ask that your comfort, mercy, and tenderness be overflowing in the hearts of those who are unable to have children. Amen.