I have a problem with illegitimacy. More to the point, I have a problem when the tag or label of illegitimate is applied to children born out of wedlock. I ask, "What is illegitimate about these babies, children, teens, and young adults?" The marital circumstance of their parents perhaps was not ideal, and may have been nightmarish for the Mother, but please let us not impose a label on the child!
As so often I do, I ask you to join me in the Bible for a closer look at how illegitimate the word illegitimate is when describing children conceived and/or born to a couple not married at the time, or ever for that matter.
Let's begin with Psalm 127 . . .
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." (v.3)
Psalm 139 . . .
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (vv.13-14)
Jeremiah 1 . . .
Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (vv.4-5)
Matthew 19 . . .
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (vv.13-14)
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Well, this is fairly easy to follow isn't it? Children are a gift from God. The Psalmist says a heritage, and the fruit of the womb (babies) is a reward. We learn that God knew us before we were born from just a plain reading in Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1. And the value of children in the ministry of Jesus is evident in the verses from Matthew 19.
How can a child be considered illegitimate if God knows they're going to be born? Maybe the circumstances of their conception fall under the heading of sin (sex outside of marriage / fornication). Okay that's scriptural, but it is not an indictment of the baby! Perhaps the parents are not married when the child comes into this world; it happens.
The Bible tells us that, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue...." Unfortunately it is used to bludgeon the spirits of little children by labeling them bastards and worse. They are caused sometimes irreparable harm by the thoughtless comments, accusations, and harsh words directed at them, and in their presence, by adults.
Additionally they suffer verbal blows from other children who parrot their parents' own ignorant rants. The worst of it may occur from the non-verbal daggers thrown their way as they are shunned, ignored, or minimized for no other reason than the facts surrounding their birth. This is sinful behavior directed at the defenseless, and the practitioners of it should be ashamed.
Please be careful, ladies and gentlemen. Be careful of the little children, the tweens, the teens, and young adults whose parents were not married when they were born, and/or who were born into a single parent house. Be careful in how you speak of them and to them, and to whom you speak regarding them. These little ones are gifts from God, deemed worthy of this life by God's matchless love, grace, and eternal plan.
Scripture tells us they are fearfully and wonderfully made. It tells us they are God's workmanship and are wonderful, and according to Jesus, the kingdom of Heaven belongs to them.
Fearlessly,
JD
