Section One

Blessings from the

Beginning

The idea of children being a blessing is raised right at the start of Genesis. In the creation account of Genesis Chapter 1, verses 26 to 28 recounts the creation of mankind. Male and female are both created by God. There are three things described in these verses: 1. Mankind, both male and female, are made ‘in the image of God’. 2. Mankind is given the task to rule over the other creatures. 3. Mankind is to be ‘fruitful’ and ‘increase in number’ i.e. have children. So, children being a blessing is incorporated into the creation account. What it means to be made ‘in the image of God’ is not clearly spelt out here or elsewhere in the Bible.