Unless you turn back and become like children
His Holiness Pope Shenouda reflects on Christ’s saying: “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18). He explains that this verse carries a deep spiritual warning equal in weight to baptism and communion — that humility and returning to the simplicity and innocence of childhood are essential for entering the Kingdom.
🌿 The Qualities of a Child That God Calls Us to Imitate
1. Innocence and Simplicity
A child does not know doubt but believes easily and receives words with pure trust. His heart is clean, free from hypocrisy and deceit, living in true inner peace.
2. Love of Knowledge and Learning
The child asks and learns without shame, loves to know, and accepts correction with humility — unlike adults whose pride may hinder learning.
3. Constant Growth
The child is in continual growth — physically, spiritually, and mentally — just as the Christian soul should always grow in grace and knowledge.
4. Spirit of Joy and Cheerfulness
A child lives with a joyful face, carries no heavy worries, and quickly returns to laughter after sadness. His joy is simple and sincere, showing God’s presence within.
5. No Hatred and Quick Reconciliation
A child does not know hatred, forgets offenses easily, and reconciles with love. This is the spirit God asks of us — a forgiving heart that stores no anger.
6. Complete Trust in the Father
Just as a child trusts his father, so must we trust God the Father, who preserves His children as the Psalm says: “The Lord preserves the children.” This trust brings deep peace.
7. Attachment to Parents as a Model of Our Bond with God
The child cannot rest away from his parents; likewise, believers should cling to God and the Church — our heavenly Father and spiritual Mother.
8. Truthfulness and Absence of Hypocrisy
A child expresses his feelings with honesty, knows no flattery or deceit, but lives in full transparency — a precious virtue before God.
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