Recently, a statement by a Brazilian pastor went viral on social media, claiming that Christian couples who choose not to have children, even if they are able, are living in sin. This has sparked a deep debate about how we interpret Scripture in our daily lives. At EncuentraIglesias.com, we want to address this topic with pastoral sensitivity, remembering that every family is unique and that God calls us to serve Him with all our hearts, whatever our situation.
The most cited verse in this debate is Genesis 1:28:
"God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground'" (NIV).
This command was given to Adam and Eve in the context of creation, when humanity was beginning. But is this a universal command for all believers of all times? The answer is not so simple. The Bible shows us that God's will for our lives is expressed in many ways, and fruitfulness is not only about having biological children.
Spiritual Fruitfulness: Beyond Biology
In the New Testament, we see that Jesus redefines family and fruitfulness. In Matthew 12:50, He says:
"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother" (NIV).
Here, Jesus expands the concept of family to include all who follow God. In the same way, spiritual fruitfulness is shown in fruits like love, peace, patience, and service. The apostle Paul, in Galatians 5:22-23, reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is much more than having children: it is living according to God's will.
Moreover, Paul himself chose not to marry in order to devote himself fully to ministry (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). This shows us that there is no single way to live the Christian vocation. Some are called to marriage and raising children, others to missionary service, others to consecrated life. What matters is discerning God's will for our lives.
The Historical Context of the Genesis Command
It is important to understand that the command to "be fruitful and multiply" was given at a time when the earth needed to be populated. Today, the world population exceeds 8 billion, and the challenge is not the number of people, but how we live as a faith community. The Church is called to make disciples, not just to have biological children. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 urges us to go and make disciples of all nations—a form of spiritual fruitfulness that transcends the physical.
Personal Decisions and God's Plan
The decision to have or not have children is deeply personal and should be made in prayer, together with one's spouse, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We cannot judge those who, for medical, financial, or vocational reasons, decide not to have children. The Bible calls us not to judge others (Romans 14:4) and to respect the different ways God works in each life.
Instead of focusing on what others do, we should ask ourselves: Are we being faithful to the mission God has given us? For some, that mission includes raising children in the faith; for others, it may be serving in ministry, supporting the needy, or being a prophetic voice in society. Fruitfulness is measured in obedience and love, not in the number of children.
Final Reflection: An Invitation to Grace
Dear reader, we invite you to reflect on your own life. Do not let social pressure or human opinions take away the peace God offers you. If you are a couple who has decided not to have children, do not feel condemned. Seek the Lord in prayer and discover how He wants to use you to bear fruit for His kingdom, in whatever way that may be.
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