Matthew 19:14 English Standard Version (ESV) but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Speaking to the issues of human nature yesterday and resenting being called a baby, allow the next issue of human nature be seen in how some of us that have been walking with our Lord for a long time might forget how it feels to be that new born.

Newborns have no reference point in this new kingdom where they have been reborn except those that appear before them. Just as a newborn opens his eyes for the first time and looks up at the face of the mother and father that holds them, those first impressions and experiences are created by the parents. We would do well to remember that those who have just been reborn will look to us as their first glimpse into kingdom living.

Jesus tells us not to hinder them. Hinder them might be defined here as bad first impressions. Jesus loves them without judgment or expectation. We should do the same. Some will want to begin the maturing process which is the work of the Holy Spirit. It might happen that way because we have forgotten what it feels like to be a new reborn.

It is our human nature that places more importance on current events and experiences and puts aside old memories that no longer serve us well. The newborn’s memories for the moment only contain memories of a past life. They have not yet developed spiritual eyes and ears. They have them, but just as any newborn, they need to be developed.

The title today says kid gloves, it is an expression which means be gentle and handle with care. First impressions in rebirth matter even more than natural birth because the world has already told them lies about what it takes to live a new life.