Today we will talk about bible verses about childish behavior. Many Christians do not know what this means. Childish behavior often points to a state of immaturity, where we may ignore deeper responsibilities or act in ways that do not align with our faith. Yet, it’s vital to remember that these behaviors can also remind us of how pure and open-hearted a child can be. In our journey of faith, we strive for a balance—embracing our childlike faith while growing into spiritual maturity. As we explore the following verses, let’s be mindful of how they can inspire us to reflect on our actions and attitudes as we seek to follow God wholeheartedly.
Bible Verses About Childish Behavior
Embracing Childlike Faith
When we think of childlike faith, we think of trust, openness, and a willingness to learn. It is refreshing how children believe without questioning everything. In the Bible, we are called to embody these qualities, setting aside our pride and cynicism. Recognizing our limitations, we can trust God in a simple, pure way, ensuring that our childish behavior leads us closer to Him rather than away. As we embrace our faith with earnest hearts, we can also discern where we still need to grow. Let’s dive right into some scripture that speaks to the beauty of having childlike faith.
Matthew 18:3
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” – Matthew 18:3
Mark 10:14
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” – Mark 10:14
Luke 18:17
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:17
Mathew 19:14
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” – Matthew 19:14
Romans 8:14
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” – Romans 8:14
Learning to Be Humble
Humility is a vital aspect of our growth. Often, our childish behavior leads us to think too highly of ourselves, but Christ calls us to a humble spirit. Being humble isn’t about thinking less of ourselves; it’s about thinking of ourselves less. In this subtopic, we recognize how Jesus exemplified humility throughout His ministry. We can reflect on our ways of thinking and acting by acknowledging that, in humility, we find strength, growth, and deeper connections to one another and to God. Let’s see the verses that guide us to embrace humility.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” – Proverbs 22:4
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
Putting Away Childish Things
As we grow, we are called to put away childish things. This notion enriches our understanding of spiritual maturity. In our lives, we often cling to habits and ways of thinking that might be more about childish behavior than the maturity God calls us to. Recognizing when it’s time to lay down such things allows us to embrace the wisdom that comes with faith and experience. It’s not just about growing older; it’s about growing deeper in our relationship with God. Here’s how the Word guides us in leaving behind childish things.
1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spoke, thought, and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:11
Ephesians 4:14
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching.” – Ephesians 4:14
Hebrews 5:12
“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.” – Hebrews 5:12
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elementary spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” – Colossians 2:8
Philippians 3:13
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” – Philippians 3:13
Developing Patience
Patience is often an overlooked strength that showcases our maturity. Childish behavior can lead to impulsivity and a lack of understanding of time and growth. Yet, developing patience helps us align with God’s timing and reveals deeper insights during our spiritual journey. Embracing patience cultivates resilience and trust in God’s purpose. Here, we find verses that gently remind us of the importance of patience and how it reflects our growth as Christians.
James 1:4
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:4
Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Practicing Kindness
A vital aspect of overcoming childish behavior is embracing kindness. As Jesus taught us, how we treat one another reflects our maturity. Being kind can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially if we let our pride and frustration bubble up. However, we must remember that kindness can change hearts and bring people together. As we foster a culture of kindness in our actions and words, we represent Christ’s love vividly. Let’s look at scripture that encourages us toward kindness in our daily lives.
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” – Proverbs 11:17
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Seeking Wisdom
Wisdom is a hallmark of spiritual maturity. Childish behaviors often skip over the valuable lessons life teaches us. In seeking wisdom, we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers, and we take steps to learn and grow. Recognizing our limitations allows us to lean into God’s understanding and guidance. These scriptures help us prioritize seeking wisdom in both our daily actions and our broader life goals. Let’s explore the words of wisdom that can guide us through our journey.
Proverbs 3:13
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” – Proverbs 3:13
Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” – Proverbs 4:7
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Ecclesiastes 7:12
“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.” – Ecclesiastes 7:12
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20
Resisting Temptation
Childish behavior often reveals itself in succumbing to temptations that aren’t in our best interest. It’s critical to recognize and resist these temptations through understanding God’s word and seeking His guidance. In our Christian walk, staying focused on the teachings of Jesus helps us strengthen our defenses against the things that lead us astray. The following verses equip us with the tools to battle temptation, fostering growth and resilience in our Christian lives.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
Romans 6:12
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” – Romans 6:12
Building Community
Childish behavior can leave us stagnant, focused only on ourselves and our immediate needs. However, as we grow in our faith, we are called to actively build community around us. Community encourages collaboration, support, and collective growth. It’s in sharing our lives, burdens, and joys that we truly reflect Christ’s love for the church. Here are some verses that inspire us to engage with and nurture the communities we’re part of in meaningful ways.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Acts 2:44-47
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” – Acts 2:44-47
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Final Thoughts
In our exploration of childish behavior through these Bible verses, we see a beautiful blend of lessons on spiritual growth and maturity. We’ve discussed how embracing childlike faith and humility can strengthen our relationship with God while recognizing the necessity of putting away childish things. This journey challenges us to develop patience, practice kindness, seek wisdom, resist temptation, and build community. Each aspect encompasses a call to action, inviting us to elevate our behavior, equipping us with the tools we need to navigate this life effectively. Ultimately, it is through God’s guidance that we can grow away from childish behavior and become a source of light and love in this world.
Let us carry these verses within our hearts and reflect on how they inspire us to continuously improve ourselves in Christ. May we walk forward with the lessons we’ve learned, committing to growing more into the likeness of our Savior each day.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4