The Bible’s use of the phrase “when I was a child” prompts readers to consider development, maturity, and the path from naivete to wisdom. Scripture passages that discuss this subject frequently highlight the spiritual shift from a child’s viewpoint to a more mature faith. “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child,” Paul famously states in 1 Corinthians 13:11. “I put the ways of childhood behind me when I became a man,” asks us to reflect on how our connection with God changes throughout time. In our Christian journey, these passages exhort us to strive for increased discernment, faith, and fortitude.
Examining Bible passages pertaining to “when I was a child” encourages us to consider our own spiritual and personal development. These bible verses about when I was a child serve as a reminder that God calls us to deeper comprehension, faith, and purpose as we mature. Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 13 and other biblical passages provide guidance on what it means to grow in our faith.
The transition from a basic faith to one that endures hardships and demonstrates greater spiritual insight is what it means to go from a childhood condition to an adult degree of knowledge. These passages teach us that spiritual development is an ongoing process that deepens our faith and brings us closer to God’s plan.
The Bible verses about when I was a child makes a lovely analogy between spiritual and physical development. We are prompted to consider our current spiritual path by verses pertaining to childhood and adulthood. Scripture challenges us to transcend the innocence and reliance that characterize childhood and instead pursue spiritual development. Paul alludes to growing into a life of fidelity, service, and purpose when he speaks of leaving aside immature ways.
Thinking back on these passages encourages us to develop and broaden our knowledge of God’s word in order to pursue a faith that reaches beyond a superficial belief system and into the depths of God’s wisdom.
Scripture passages that mention “when I was a child” frequently push us to seek out greater spiritual insight and responsibility. This transition from a child’s perspective to a mature one entails developing a strong, tried-and-true faith rather than abandoning trust and innocence. As we become older, we are inspired to pursue God with more fervor, bravery, and discernment.
These bible verses about when I was a child remind us that although a childhood faith is a lovely foundation, we are expected to nurture it and develop it into a faith that is strong and able to face the challenges of life. God’s constant activity inside us is demonstrated by this spiritual development, which leads us from adolescent faith to a life of complete spiritual maturity.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About When I Was A Child
1. 1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”
Paul emphasizes the journey from childish ways to maturity. This verse is about growing in spiritual wisdom, letting go of immature behaviors, and embracing the depth of a mature faith.
2. 1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
Peter encourages new believers to seek spiritual nourishment, using the analogy of a child’s need for milk. It reminds us of the importance of foundational truths before advancing to deeper spiritual insights.
3. Hebrews 5:13-14
“Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature…”
This passage highlights the transition from basic teachings (“milk”) to complex truths (“solid food”). It’s about growing from a childlike understanding to a mature grasp of righteousness.
4. Matthew 18:3
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus emphasizes the purity and humility of a child’s faith. While believers should mature in knowledge, they are also called to maintain the innocence and openness of a child.
5. 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…”
Paul urges believers to mature in faith, warning that staying spiritually immature leaves them vulnerable. Maturity in Christ brings stability and discernment.
6. Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of grounding children in faith early on. Spiritual training lays a foundation for lifelong growth and maturity.
7. Psalm 131:2
“But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.”
David describes a state of humility and reliance on God, like a weaned child who no longer demands but rests. It’s a mark of mature faith to find peace in God’s presence.
8. 1 Corinthians 14:20
“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.”
Paul urges believers to be mature in thinking, particularly in discerning good from evil, while maintaining innocence toward wrongdoing.
9. Isaiah 11:6
“…and a little child will lead them.”
This prophetic vision speaks of a time of peace and purity, where even a child can lead. It’s a reminder of the power in a childlike innocence aligned with God’s wisdom.
10. Matthew 11:25
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father… because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.'”
Jesus praises childlike openness to God’s mysteries. A heart that is humble and receptive, like a child’s, receives divine truths.
11. 2 Timothy 3:15
“…and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Paul commends Timothy’s early foundation in Scripture. Spiritual maturity begins with exposure to God’s Word, even from childhood.
12. Galatians 4:1-2
“What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave…”
Paul uses childhood as a metaphor for spiritual infancy, before believers inherit full maturity in Christ, signifying growth from legalism to grace.
13. Romans 8:15-17
“…the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”
This passage reflects a transition from spiritual infancy to understanding our identity as God’s children, heirs, and maturing in that identity.
14. Mark 10:14-15
“Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Jesus honors the humility and trust of children. Believers are called to mature but never lose childlike faith and openness toward God.
15. Ecclesiastes 11:10
“So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.”
This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of childhood and youthful vigor, encouraging a focus on lasting spiritual growth.
16. Luke 2:52
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Even Jesus, in his humanity, grew in wisdom and spiritual maturity. This verse illustrates the value of growth over time, even for the Son of God.
17. Psalm 8:2
“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies…”
God values the innocent praise of children. This verse shows the power of genuine, humble worship, something believers carry into maturity.
18. 1 John 2:12-13
“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.”
John uses familial language to address various stages of faith, showing the growth from childlike faith into mature, forgiving love.
19. James 1:4
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James emphasizes the process of growth through trials, moving from spiritual infancy to a faith that’s resilient and complete.
20. Proverbs 20:11
“Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?”
This verse reminds us that growth in faith and character begins in childhood, forming habits that should mature over time.
21. 1 Samuel 1:27-28
“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.”
Hannah’s prayer shows the beginnings of a child’s life in faith, with a dedication that sets the tone for future growth in God’s purpose.
22. John 1:12-13
“Yet to all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God.”
Believers are reborn as children of God, beginning a journey of growth, led by a Father who nurtures spiritual maturity.
23. Genesis 21:8
“The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast.”
Isaac’s weaning represents a stage of growth. This moment celebrates a step toward independence and maturity in faith.
24. Philippians 1:6
“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Paul assures us that God fosters our growth from spiritual infancy to completion, guiding each stage.
25. Psalm 71:5-6
“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.”
David speaks of a lifetime of trust in God, from childhood through maturity, showing that true spiritual growth remains anchored in hope.
26. Colossians 1:28
“He is the one we proclaim… so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
Paul’s mission was to lead believers from spiritual infancy to full maturity in Christ, through teaching and growth.
27. Isaiah 54:13
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
This verse reflects God’s intention for spiritual growth from an early age, promising peace and maturity through His teachings.
28. Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
God emphasizes early spiritual foundations, showing that growth and maturity begin with His Word instilled in childhood.
29. Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”
God’s calling on each life is established before birth, guiding every stage from infancy to spiritual maturity.
30. 2 Corinthians 13:9
“We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.”
Paul’s wish for maturity among believers reflects God’s desire for spiritual growth and a resilient, complete faith.
Conclusion
When we consider these verses, we see that spiritual development is a process that leads from purity and simplicity to deep maturity. Spiritual growth is something that God fosters and supports, just as physical growth is normal. Believers are called to transition from a childhood understanding of faith to a mature, robust faith that endures challenges via His Word and the Holy Spirit’s direction.
Every stage of development has its own lessons and difficulties, but God’s faithfulness never wavers. He wants us to pursue more knowledge, let go of spiritual immaturity, and adopt a brave, powerful faith based on truth and love. In the end, this path results in a deeper connection with God that is founded on maturity, trust, and unshakable confidence.
