Titto Thommy

What We Can Learn About Faith from a Parent-Child Relationship

The bond between a parent and child is one of trust, dependence, and unconditional love. It’s a relationship filled with qualities that not only shape the child’s life but also offer lessons for us as adults. Let’s explore a few noteworthy traits of this relationship and how they can inspire our spiritual journey.

1. Trust

A child exhibits complete trust in their parents. For instance, when a father playfully tosses a child into the air, the child doesn’t worry about falling. Instead, there is an unshakable confidence that they will be caught safely in their father’s arms. Imagine if we could show such unwavering trust in the divine—how much lighter would our burdens feel?

2. Dependence

Children rely entirely on their parents for food, shelter, and care. This dependence isn’t seen as a weakness but a natural part of life. In a similar way, acknowledging our dependence on a higher power can help us find strength in our vulnerability and open us to divine guidance.

3. Honesty

A child’s emotions are pure and unfiltered. When they’re happy, they smile; when upset, they make it known through tears. This level of honesty is rare in adults, as we often hide our feelings behind facades. Embracing this transparency in our relationship with God can help us communicate more authentically in prayer and reflection.

4. Openness to Receive

Children see the world as a place of wonder, constantly learning from their surroundings. They are open to receiving new information and discovering life’s miracles. Maintaining this openness as adults can deepen our faith and allow us to see the divine in everyday moments.

5. The Need to Be Cleaned

Children cannot clean themselves or manage basic hygiene without help. They rely on their parents for physical care. Spiritually, this reminds us of our need for cleansing and renewal, which we can seek through prayer, reflection, and divine grace.

A Spiritual Parallel

If we, as grown-ups, could cultivate these qualities—trust, dependence, honesty, openness, and the humility to seek cleansing—in our relationship with the divine, life would become simpler and more fulfilling. Perhaps this is what it means to embrace childlike faith and prepare ourselves to enter the kingdom of God.