The Bible does not explicitly state that God expects all people to have children. However, Scripture provides principles and perspectives that can help us think through this question.
Marriage and Children
God designed marriage between a man and woman to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32). Marriage also serves the purposes of companionship and sexual intimacy (Genesis 2:18, 24). Within this union, God blessed and commanded Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Children are viewed as a gift and blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5). So in the general sense, God expects and encourages married couples to have children.
However, not all married couples are able to conceive children for various biological reasons. We see examples of barrenness in significant biblical figures like Sarah (Genesis 11:30), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), Rachel (Genesis 29:31), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:2), and Elizabeth (Luke 1:7). Their stories display God’s compassion and His sovereign plan that goes beyond human expectations. Children are not guaranteed in marriage.
The Gift of Singleness
Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 7 that both marriage and singleness are gifts from God. If someone has the gift of celibacy and contentedness in singleness, then “it is good for them to stay unmarried” (1 Corinthians 7:8). Singleness also provides unique opportunities to serve God without divided interests (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). So while marriage is the norm, singleness for the purpose of undivided devotion to the Lord is commended.
Freedom in Christ
The New Testament emphasizes that believers have freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1). There are many matters on which Scripture does not mandate a specific decision. In these areas, prayerful wisdom is required to discern between options that are beneficial versus sinful (1 Corinthians 6:12). Whether or not to have children seems to fall within this category. Paul notes that unmarried adults have the option to marry “as they wish” (1 Corinthians 7:39). Couples today must also prayerfully decide if and when to have children.
Cultural Expectations
Within the cultures and time periods of the Bible, bearing children was viewed as a natural expectation and virtue, especially to maintain a family lineage. Barrenness carried negative social stigma and embarrassment (Genesis 30:23, Luke 1:25). However, New Testament teaching indicates that earthly institutions like family and marriage are temporal compared to eternal kingdom priorities (Matthew 22:30). Believers should be guided by biblical values, not cultural values that elevate marriage and children as ultimate life goals.
Serving God as a Family
While marriage and children are not commanded, Scripture does portray them as opportunities to serve God. Husbands and wives model Christ’s love (Ephesians 5:25). Parents disciple children in the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:7, Proverbs 22:6). Children are arrows in a man’s quiver (Psalm 127:4-5). They can expand God’s kingdom through sharing the gospel. So parents can fulfill the Great Commission through their family (Psalm 78:5-7). But this requires intentionality to nurture a godly heritage (1 Timothy 3:4-5). Children are a blessing, not a guarantee. And not the sole means of kingdom service.
Considerations in Decision Making
Scripture gives principles but not absolute commands regarding procreation. Couples must prayerfully evaluate factors like abilities and resources to parent (1 Timothy 5:8), partnership unity, societal needs, family planning goals, genetic health, and ministry opportunities. Christians can make wise, moral family choices within their freedom in Christ. If God leads a couple to have children, it should be embraced joyfully. If God leads them to purposefully remain childless, that can also be celebrated.
Heart Motives and Obedience
More than outward decisions, God cares about the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). He may bless the choice to have children, or He may have other plans. As couples seek God’s will, their motives should be to glorify God, not selfish ambition (Matthew 6:33). God promises to guide those who faithfully follow Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). His definition of obedience is believing in Jesus (John 6:29). The Holy Spirit empowers obedience out of love, not legalism (Romans 8:3-4). Pleasing God with our lives involves pursuing intimacy with Him above all else (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Trusting God’s Wisdom and Sovereignty
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts transcend human reasoning. Believers must acknowledge their limited perspective. God alone possesses infinite knowledge and foresight to guide our lives perfectly. He promises to work all things for the good of those who love Him as they align their hearts to His will (Romans 8:28). Rather than projecting our own expectations onto God, we must humbly surrender to His perfect plan.
In summary, Scripture does not definitively command all couples to have children. Nor does it forbid childlessness if that is God’s design. As couples prayerfully seek God’s wisdom, He graciously guides their decisions. He also equips and blesses them to serve Him within their unique circumstance. Whether married or single, with or without children, God calls every believer to faithfully follow Christ each day. May we trust the goodness and sovereignty of God’s plan for our lives.