Children Quote by John Flavel
“What is a child, but a piece of the parent enrapt up in another skin? And yet our dearest children are but as strangers to us, in comparison of the unspeakable dearness that was between the Father and Christ. Now, that he should ever be content to part with a Son, and such an only One, is such a manifestation of love, as will be admired to all eternity.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Father and Son, John Flavel, 1650s
The quote reflects on the paradox of parental love: children are both extensions of their parents and yet feel like strangers, highlighting the profound, self‑sacrificial love of God the Father for Christ.
In simple terms: Children are part of parents but feel distant; divine love is ultimate sacrifice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize love’s depth beyond familiarity.
Themes
love
family
theology
sacrifice
identity
Mood
contemplative
reverent
thoughtful
Type
theological
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- parent‑child relationships
- spiritual reflection
- grief counseling
- theological study
Key Concepts
divine love
parental bond
spiritual mystery
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing children as extensions of ourselves change our care for them?
- In what ways does divine sacrifice model human love?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may obscure practical relational dynamics between parents and children.
![“All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".” quote by John Flavel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/58c/john-flavel-4295_christian_all-the-dark-intricate-puzzling-providen_333825.jpg)
