The Bible does not directly address the topic of family planning or birth control. However, there are some principles and passages that can provide wisdom for Christians thinking through this issue.
1. Children are a blessing from God
The Bible presents children as a gift and blessing from the Lord. Several verses illustrate this:
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
“Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 127:5)
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6)
These verses reveal God’s positive view of children. He desires to bless families with children and values human life from conception onward.
2. God is sovereign over conception and barrenness
Although children are a blessing from God, He also exercises sovereignty over a couple’s ability to have children. Scripture testifies that God opens and closes the womb according to His divine purposes:
“And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” (Genesis 25:21)
“So Hannah rose after eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly…Then Hannah prayed and said…‘O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life.’…Then Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel.” (1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20)
God allowed barrenness for Hannah so He could miraculously provide her the gift of Samuel. Other Bible characters who struggled with barrenness include Sarah (Genesis 11:30), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), Rachel (Genesis 29:31), Manoah’s wife (Judges 13:2), and Elizabeth (Luke 1:7). Their stories display God’s providence in providing children.
3. God calls some people to avoid marriage and children
Although God designed marriage and children as blessings, He also gifts some people with singleness and calls them to serve Him without spouse or family:
“For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” (Matthew 19:12)
The apostle Paul explains that unmarried people can devote themselves more fully to God’s work (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). So those who choose celibacy for serving Christ please Him.
4. Children are to be raised well
Although children are a blessing, the Bible emphasizes that they require diligent care and training:
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching…Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 1:8; 22:6)
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
Parents must make the time investment to nurture their children spiritually and morally. So while children are a blessing, they are also a serious responsibility.
5. God wants people to be generous and share with others
The Bible encourages open-handed generosity towards those in need. God blesses His people materially so they can bless others through sharing:
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” (Acts 20:35)
“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-2)
Having a larger family can make it challenging to be as generous towards others. Good stewardship is required to balance family size with continuing in financial generosity.
6. Wisdom and planning are encouraged
Although God is sovereign, He also encourages wisdom. Proverbs frequently urges careful thinking and planning:
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
“Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.” (Proverbs 24:27)
While children are in God’s hands, couples should prayerfully seek God’s wisdom in planning the size of their family. They must consider their life situation, resources, abilities, and goals.
7. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit
Self-control over one’s sexual desires and passions is lifted up as a virtue in Scripture:
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)
“Flee from sexual immorality…Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to exhibit self-control in all areas of life, including sexuality within marriage. So family planning can be pursued as an exercise in Spirit-led self-control.
8. Motives matter
Scripture emphasizes that God examines people’s hearts above all else. He is concerned about motives, desires, and attitudes:
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b)
“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Couples must search their hearts concerning why they want to limit family size. Selfishness, greed, discontentment, or other sinful attitudes could be underlying motivations needing realignment with biblical values.
9. Stewardship for the good of the family
A larger family may prevent parents from adequately providing for the children they already have. Good stewardship involves managing family size to reasonably care for everyone:
“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
“Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.” (Proverbs 24:27)
Parents should prayerfully consider their ability to provide for more children before expanding their family further.
10. Seeking the wisdom of God and the church
Since the Bible does not directly address birth control, couples must seek wisdom from God together and from biblically-grounded believers. As they humble themselves before the Lord, He will guide their decisions:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
The believing community plays an essential role in providing insight, support, and accountability for families pursuing God’s will.
Summary
In summary, here are some key biblical principles for Christians to consider regarding family planning:
- Children are a blessing from God to be welcomed
- God is sovereign over conception and barrenness
- Some are gifted to serve God without marriage or children
- Children require diligent training and nurturing
- Generosity towards others is encouraged
- Wisdom and planning are valued
- Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit
- Motives matter, God examines the heart
- Good stewardship considers providing for all family members
- Seeking God’s wisdom together with the church
The Bible does not definitively prohibit or endorse methods of family planning. Each Christian couple must humbly seek the Lord’s guidance to discern His will for their family size and stewardship. This important decision should be bathed in prayer and made carefully within a supportive Christian community.