Counsel #7 — Children

Picture: Counsel #7 — ChildrenCR 86.1

One of the most important questions you and your spouse must answer is whether to have children.^{[82]https://www.adventist.org/marriage-and-the-family/children/} Factors to consider include your health — especially that of the mother — financial stability, life goals, spiritual goals, and the ability of each of you to assume the responsibility of nurturing and training children for God’s kingdom.CR 86.2

Couples who are unable or unwilling to conceive biological children might be greatly blessed by adopting children who otherwise suffer from lack of parental affection and love.CR 86.3

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalms 127:3 NKJVCR 86.4

“If you had children, and your mind were compelled to be called away from yourself to care for them, to instruct them, and be an example to them, it would be an advantage to you.… When two compose a family, as in your case, and there are no children to call into exercise patience, forbearance, and true love, there is need of constant watchfulness lest selfishness obtain the supremacy, lest you yourselves become the center, and you require attention, care, and interest, which you feel under no obligation to bestow upon others.”  Ellen White in Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 230.2CR 86.5

Reflect: Whether you and your spouse have children, do you make a regular habit of loving, interacting with, and supporting the children in your sphere of influence?CR 86.6