Children Are a Gift from the Lord

Children are a gift from the Lord.

Adam and Eve had many sons and daughters, but in Genesis 4, two of their children are specifically mentioned—Cain and Abel. When Eve gave birth to Cain, she declared, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” Scripture does not explicitly say that Cain was the firstborn, but his birth is recorded first, and Eve’s words are filled with awe, gratitude, and hope.

At that moment, she did not know Cain’s future. She could not foresee his inner battles, the choices he would make, or the sorrow that would follow. Like many parents, she simply received her child as a gift from God—full of promise, unaware of what lay ahead.

The story that follows is heavy and tragic.

Cain became angry when his offering was not regarded by God. Instead of addressing his wounded heart, Cain allowed anger and jealousy to take root. That unchecked emotion led to violence, and Abel was killed by his own brother. Cain, once welcomed into the world with gratitude and hope, became a restless wanderer—a man marked by the consequences of his choices.

Genesis 4 carries many profound lessons about sin, responsibility, and God’s justice mingled with mercy. But this is what the Lord impressed upon my heart as I reflected on it.

As parents, we are called to raise our sons and daughters, but we must be careful with expectations. Our children are not guarantees of success, righteousness, or fulfillment. They are not reflections of our worth or failures. They are individuals—created in God’s image, yet shaped in a fallen world, capable of both beauty and brokenness.

Our role is not to control who they become, but to love them consistently, guide them faithfully, and walk with them patiently.

This realization has changed the way I see my own children.

There were times when I felt impatient—especially when my son misbehaved. I would feel frustration rise quickly, sometimes reacting before understanding. But now, I pause. I remind myself that growth takes time, that character is formed through grace, and that love—not anger—is what truly shapes the heart.

I want to be a calm, loving, and nurturing mother. Not perfect, but present. Not permissive, but anchored in grace. I want my children to know that my love does not fluctuate with their behavior, moods, or mistakes.

Because before they are learners,

before they are achievers,

before they are “well-behaved” children—

they are gifts.

My children are gifts from the Lord—entrusted to me not to be molded by fear or expectation, but to be nurtured with patience, wisdom, and humility. And every day, I ask God to help me steward that gift well.

Thank You, Lord, for reminding me.

Thank You for my children.

They are gifts. Truly, they are.