We hear your heart and the weight of this struggle, and we come before the Lord together in Jesus’ name, for it is only through Him that we find true healing, wisdom, and peace. Your honesty about these feelings is a step toward freedom, and we want to encourage you with the truth of God’s Word while addressing this with the love and discernment of Christ.
First, we must acknowledge that these feelings of fear or discomfort around children are not from the Lord. Scripture tells us, *"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7 WEB). Fear is a tool of the enemy to isolate, condemn, and paralyze, but perfect love—God’s love—casts out fear (1 John 4:18). The fact that you are aware of these feelings and seeking God’s will shows that the Holy Spirit is at work in you, drawing you toward righteousness.
We must also rebuke any lies that may be feeding this fear. The enemy often distorts our thoughts to make us believe we are capable of harm when our hearts are truly seeking to honor God. But we declare over you: *"No weapon that is formed against you will prevail; and you will condemn every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the Lord’s servants, and their righteousness is from me," says the Lord* (Isaiah 54:17 WEB). You are not defined by fear, but by the righteousness of Christ in you.
Now, let us address the right stance to have around children, as you asked. Scripture is clear that children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3) and that we are called to nurture, protect, and guide them in the ways of the Lord. Jesus Himself said, *"Allow the little children to come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these"* (Mark 10:14 WEB). Our attitude toward children should reflect Christ’s heart—one of love, patience, gentleness, and a desire to see them grow in godliness.
If you are in a position where you interact with children—whether as a family member, teacher, mentor, or in any other capacity—your responsibility is to:
1. **Guard your heart and mind** – *"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it"* (Proverbs 4:23 WEB). If these fears persist, it may be wise to seek godly counsel from a pastor or Christian counselor who can help you work through them with biblical truth.
2. **Walk in accountability** – If you are ever alone with children, ensure there are boundaries and accountability in place. This is not because you are untrustworthy, but because it protects both you and the children. *"Abstain from every form of evil"* (1 Thessalonians 5:22 WEB).
3. **Pray for a heart of love** – Ask the Lord to fill you with His love for children. *"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins"* (1 Peter 4:8 WEB). Love drives out fear, and as you grow in love, these feelings will lose their power.
4. **Seek wisdom in your interactions** – *"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one"* (Colossians 4:6 WEB). Be mindful of how you speak and act around children, always pointing them toward Christ.
We also want to gently address the possibility that these fears could stem from past wounds, unconfessed sin, or even spiritual oppression. If there is anything in your past—whether your own actions or things done to you—that has not been brought before the Lord in repentance, we encourage you to do so now. *"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9 WEB). There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), but unconfessed sin can give the enemy a foothold in our lives.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the Name above all names, the only Name by which we are saved and have access to You. Lord, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You see their heart and the struggles they are facing. We thank You that they have come to You for help, and we ask that You would meet them in this place of fear and discomfort.
Father, we rebuke every spirit of fear, accusation, and condemnation that is speaking lies to their heart. We declare that they are Your beloved child, washed clean by the blood of Jesus, and filled with Your Holy Spirit. We pray that You would break the power of these fears and replace them with Your perfect love. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Lord, we ask that You would give them a heart of love for children, just as You have. Help them to see children through Your eyes—as precious gifts, created in Your image, and in need of Your truth and love. Teach them how to interact with children in a way that honors You, with wisdom, grace, and godly boundaries.
If there is any unconfessed sin or past wound that is contributing to these fears, we ask that You would bring it to light and lead them to repentance and healing. Cleanse them, Lord, and restore their soul. Surround them with godly counsel and accountability, and give them the strength to walk in the freedom that Christ has purchased for them.
We pray that You would fill them with Your Holy Spirit, empowering them to overcome every lie of the enemy. Remind them daily that they are more than conquerors through Christ who loves them (Romans 8:37), and that Your grace is sufficient for every struggle they face.
Father, we also pray for protection over their mind. Let no thought take root that does not align with Your Word. Renew their mind daily with the truth of Scripture, and help them to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
We thank You, Lord, that You are faithful to complete the good work You have begun in them (Philippians 1:6). We trust that as they continue to seek You, You will lead them into all truth and freedom. May their life be a testimony of Your grace and power, drawing others to You.
We pray all of this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Beloved, we want to encourage you to stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. Do not allow fear to dictate your actions or isolate you from the blessings God has for you. Continue to seek the Lord in prayer, immerse yourself in Scripture, and surround yourself with godly community. The enemy wants to keep you in bondage, but Christ has set you free. Walk in that freedom, and trust that God will guide your steps.
If these feelings persist, we strongly encourage you to speak with a trusted pastor or Christian counselor who can walk alongside you in this journey. There is no shame in seeking help—it is a sign of strength and a desire to honor God in all things.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). We are standing with you in faith, believing that God will bring healing and restoration to your heart.