The Bible speaks passionately about the value of children and the need to protect them from harm. Jesus Himself placed children at the center of His ministry, emphasizing their importance in the Kingdom of God. But what does Scripture say about those who cause harm to children? Let’s look at what the Bible teaches about nurturing, loving, and protecting children, as well as the consequences for those who fail to care for these precious ones.
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What Does The Bible Say About Harming Children
Genesis 9:6
“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the consequence of shedding innocent blood. Harming children goes against God’s design and will ultimately lead to severe punishment.
It is our responsibility to protect and nurture children, as they are precious in the sight of God and hold a special place in His heart.
Matthew 18:6
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
This powerful verse warns against causing harm or leading children astray. Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of causing children to stumble and fall into sin, urging us to prioritize their spiritual well-being.
By nurturing their faith, protecting their innocence, and setting a godly example, we can pave the way for children to grow in their relationship with God.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
God blesses us with children as a gift and a source of great joy. This verse reminds us of the value and importance of children in God’s plan, emphasizing their significance and the responsibility we have in nurturing and cherishing them.
As caregivers, parents, and community members, it is our duty to create an environment where children can thrive and experience the love and grace of God.
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
This verse highlights the crucial role we play in shaping the lives of children. By teaching them godly values, guiding them in righteousness, and immersing them in the Word of God, we help set a firm foundation for their future.
Through positive influence and intentional mentorship, we can help children navigate life’s challenges and equip them to stay on the path of righteousness.
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'”
Jesus affirms the importance of welcoming and embracing children, allowing them to come into His presence. He recognizes the innocence and purity of children’s hearts as a model for the kind of faith required to enter the kingdom of heaven.
We are called to create an environment that encourages children to seek Jesus, fostering their spiritual growth and leading them into a lasting and intimate relationship with Him.
Luke 17:2
“It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.”
This verse emphasizes the solemnity of causing harm or leading children astray. Jesus uses strong language to convey the severity of the consequences faced by those who cause children to stumble in their faith or well-being.
We must be vigilant in our words, actions, and influences, ensuring that we do not become stumbling blocks for the youngest members of our society.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse underscores the importance of caring for and protecting our family members, particularly children. Failing in this responsibility is seen as a denial of faith and a rejection of God’s command to love and provide for our own.
We are called to prioritize the well-being and safety of children and ensure their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.
Mark 9:36-37
“He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.'”
In this beautiful passage, Jesus highlights the significance of our treatment towards children. By welcoming and showing love to children, we are not only extending hospitality to them but also to Jesus Himself and the heavenly Father.
This verse encourages us to treat children with kindness, compassion, and respect, recognizing their inherent worth and the divine presence within them.
Psalm 34:11
“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
God calls us to instruct and guide the younger generation in the ways of the Lord. As adults, we have the privilege and responsibility to teach children about God’s love, His commandments, and the significance of a personal relationship with Him.
By sharing our faith and wisdom with children, we equip them to navigate the complexities of life and to develop a reverent fear and awe of the Lord.
Proverbs 23:13
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of discipline in raising children. Discipline, when administered with love and wisdom, helps shape their character, instilling values, and teaching them right from wrong.
It is essential to approach discipline with a balanced perspective, ensuring that it is neither excessively harsh nor neglected, as we guide children towards maturity and godliness.
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
This verse addresses the role of fathers in raising children. It encourages fathers to avoid actions and behaviors that may provoke anger or resentment in their children.
Instead, fathers are directed to provide godly discipline and instruction, shaping their children’s character and nurturing their spiritual growth.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Although not exclusively about children, this verse reminds us of the responsibility to care for vulnerable members of society, including children without parents or in need of support.
By extending compassion, love, and practical assistance to children in desperate situations, we demonstrate the heart of God and fulfill the call to genuine and unblemished faith.
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.”
This verse celebrates the intergenerational relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, highlighting the joy and blessing that children bring to the lives of their elders.
It also emphasizes the critical role of fathers in the lives of their children, as their presence and involvement leave a lasting impact and bring honor to both parties.
Deuteronomy 4:9
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
God commands the Israelites, and by extension, us, to remember His faithfulness and the lessons learned throughout their journey. It is crucial to pass down this knowledge and spiritual heritage to the younger generations.
By sharing our testimonies, experiences, and the truth of God’s Word with children, we ensure that the faith continues to grow and flourish throughout the coming generations.
Psalm 103:13
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
God’s love and compassion toward His children is compared to the deep care and tenderness displayed by a loving father towards his own children.
Children find safety, comfort, and guidance in the embrace of a compassionate father, and likewise, we find refuge and solace in the never-ending mercy and love of our Heavenly Father.
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Parents, specifically fathers, are cautioned against treating their children in a way that leads to bitterness and discouragement.
It is vital to foster an environment of love, affirmation, and encouragement in the lives of children, allowing them to grow and thrive in their God-given potential.
Matthew 7:11
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
This verse highlights the goodness and generosity of our Heavenly Father, surpassing even the love and provision of earthly parents.
It reminds us to approach God with childlike faith, trusting in His loving nature and relying on Him to provide for our needs, just as a good parent cares for their children.
Psalm 22:9-10
“Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth, I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.”
This psalm acknowledges God’s involvement in the life of a person from their earliest stages of development. It illustrates the sacredness and miracle of life, underlining God’s sovereignty in each person’s existence.
Children are known and loved by God even before birth, and their lives should be cherished and protected, reflecting the divine purpose and destiny assigned to them.
Proverbs 1:8-9
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of parental guidance and wisdom in the lives of children. It encourages children to heed their parents’ instruction and teaching, acknowledging the value and positive impact it will have on their lives.
By receiving and heeding the counsel of their parents, children can navigate life with greater wisdom and understanding, ultimately bearing the fruit of righteousness and success.
Titus 2:4
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.”
This verse addresses the importance of mentorship among women, specifically the role of older women in instructing and encouraging younger women in their responsibilities as wives and mothers.
Through these relationships, younger women can gain wisdom and thrive in their roles, ensuring the well-being and nurturing of their families.
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—’so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'”
This verse highlights the importance of obeying and honoring parents, reflecting the fifth of the Ten Commandments. Obedience and honor towards parents result in blessings and a fulfilling life.
By embracing a humble and respectful attitude towards their parents, children can experience the peace and favor of God throughout their lives.
Mark 10:14-16
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them, and blessed them.”
This powerful passage conveys Jesus’ deep love and care for children. He insists on allowing them to come to Him, affirming their significance and innocence as an example for all believers.
Children’s humility, trust, and dependence mirrored in their childlike faith serve as a model for all who desire to enter the kingdom of God.
Psalm 8:2
“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”
This beautiful psalm acknowledges the power and efficacy of the praise offered by children. Their genuine, unfiltered worship becomes a force against the enemy and a testimony of God’s greatness.
Children have a unique ability to express pure adoration and gratitude, reminding us of the simplicity and authenticity found in our worship of God.
Proverbs 22:15
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”
This verse acknowledges the inherent tendency towards foolishness within a child. However, it also emphasizes the importance of loving discipline in correcting their behavior and guiding them towards wisdom.
Through appropriate discipline accompanied by love, we play a vital role in molding children’s character and aiding them in the development of self-control and wisdom.
Psalms 127:4-5
“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”
This metaphorical passage portrays children as arrows in the hands of a warrior. It highlights the blessings associated with having a full quiver, representing a full household.
Children are seen as a source of strength and protection, bringing honor to their parents and standing unashamed before any opposition they may encounter.
Matthew 21:15-16
“But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant. ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”‘
This passage recounts an incident where children were praising Jesus in the temple courts, to the disapproval of the religious leaders. Jesus defends their worship by quoting from Psalm 8:2, affirming the significance of children’s adoration and their powerful role in praising God.
This verse serves as a reminder that children have a rightful place in worship and that their praise holds immense value in the eyes of God.