Hurting anyone is wrong, but when you harm someone who is seen as a child of God, the emotional and spiritual weight can feel even heavier. Whether intentional or accidental, making amends and seeking forgiveness is crucial to healing relationships.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Babies In The Last Days
What Does The Bible Say About Hurting A Child Of God
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 verse emphasizes the seriousness of causing harm to a child of God. It warns that there are severe consequences for leading them astray or causing them to stumble in their faith. We are called to protect and nurture the faith of those who believe in Christ, especially the young and vulnerable.
Jesus’ words display the depth of His love and concern for His children. He wants us to understand the gravity of our actions towards His followers and to actively seek their well-being and spiritual growth, ensuring that we never intentionally cause harm or hinder their relationship with Him.
Mark 9:42
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
This verse echoes the previous warning from Matthew 18:6 about causing harm to a child of God. It underscores the severity of leading someone astray from their faith and emphasizes the grave consequences for those who do so. Jesus uses vivid imagery to convey the weight of the punishment that awaits those who harm His precious children.
As followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to protect and nurture the faith of those who believe in Him, especially the vulnerable and innocent. We should strive to be a source of encouragement, guidance, and love, ensuring that our actions never cause stumbling or harm to their walk with God.
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
This verse highlights the value and importance of every child of God, regardless of age or social status. Jesus emphasizes that even the “little ones” are under the constant watch and care of angels in heaven, bearing witness to their experiences and bringing them before the Father.
By reminding us of this heavenly care, Jesus urges us not to look down upon or disregard any believer. We should treat each member of God’s family with love, respect, and dignity, recognizing their worth in the eyes of God and acknowledging their connection to the divine.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
This verse highlights the precious nature of children to God. They are not only a gift but also an inheritance from the Lord Himself. It affirms that children are a blessing, and their presence in our lives is a reward from God.
As individuals responsible for the well-being and upbringing of children, we should recognize their value and nurture them with love, care, and guidance. This verse reminds us of the sacred trust we have in raising children, knowing that they are entrusted to us by God.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of guiding children towards the path of righteousness and teaching them the ways of God from a young age. It recognizes the significance of early instruction and its lasting impact, suggesting that the values instilled in a child during their formative years will remain with them throughout their lives.
As parents, caregivers, and mentors, we should prioritize the spiritual nurturing of children, providing them with a firm foundation in faith. By consistently modeling and teaching God’s ways, we can help shape their character and equip them to walk in righteousness, leading them to a lifelong devotion to God.
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 specifically addresses fathers but can be applied to all caregivers and authority figures responsible for raising children. It urges us not to exasperate or embitter our children through harsh or unreasonable treatment but instead to raise them in an environment of discipline and godly instruction.
As parents and mentors, we must cultivate an atmosphere of love and understanding, teaching our children through discipline and correction while also demonstrating the grace and love of God. By equipping them with the knowledge and understanding of the Lord’s ways, we can guide them towards a genuine and lasting faith.
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
This beautiful passage speaks to the intricate and intentional creation of every human being by God Himself. It affirms that from the moment of conception, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hand of our Creator. It is an acknowledgment of the inherent worth and value of every life.
As Christians, we should recognize the sanctity of life and treat every individual, including children, with love, respect, and dignity. This verse reminds us that each person is uniquely crafted by God and possesses inherent beauty, deserving of our care and protection.
Proverbs 17:6
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
This verse highlights the special relationship between generations and the mutual joy and pride that exists between parents and children. It speaks of the blessing that grandchildren bring to the lives of the elderly, symbolizing the legacy and fulfillment of a life well-lived.
God intended for families to experience joy and fulfillment through the nurturing and growth of children. As parents, we should cherish our children as the extension of ourselves, the embodiment of our hopes and dreams for the future. Likewise, grandparents should embrace their role as a source of wisdom and guidance, passing down their faith and values to future generations.
Psalm 34:11-14
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
In these verses, the psalmist invites children to listen and learn from the teachings and wisdom of the Lord. They are encouraged to seek a life that is pleasing to God through righteous behavior and a commitment to pursuing peace.
As adults, it is our responsibility to guide children towards a God-honoring life. We should actively teach them the importance of honesty, integrity, and living in harmony with others. By imparting these values to the next generation, we contribute to a society that reflects God’s goodness and fosters peace.
Mark 10:14-15
“But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.'”
This poignant scene demonstrates Jesus’ love for children and His desire for them to be embraced and included in His kingdom. It serves as a reminder that childlike faith, characterized by trust, humility, and innocence, is key to entering into a relationship with God.
As believers, we should learn from the pure and wholehearted trust that children exhibit towards God. We ought to approach Him with childlike faith, surrendering our pride and self-sufficiency, and relying solely on His grace and guidance in our lives.
Psalm 8:2
“Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.”
This verse reminds us of the profound impact that the praises and worship of children can have in spiritual warfare. It acknowledges the strength and power that God establishes through the mouths of even the youngest among us.
Children have a unique ability to approach God with simplicity and sincerity, unencumbered by cynicism and doubt. As adults, we can learn from their unreserved worship and allow their contagious faith to inspire and invigorate our own relationship with God.
Deuteronomy 4:9
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—”
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of passing down our faith to future generations. It encourages us to diligently guard our souls and memories of God’s faithfulness, making them known to our children and their children.
We have a responsibility to share our own testimonies and experiences with God, teaching our children about His goodness, provision, and guidance throughout generations. By doing so, we ensure that the knowledge and love of God are not lost but continue to shape the lives of future believers in our families and communities.
Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
This verse echoes the sentiments of Deuteronomy 4:9, emphasizing the significance of passing down the stories of God’s faithfulness from one generation to the next. It encourages us to actively share the majestic works of the Lord with our children, ensuring that they are aware of His power, faithfulness, and miraculous interventions in the lives of His people.
Through storytelling and testimony, we can instill in our children a deep reverence and awe for God. By recounting His mighty deeds and supernatural interventions, we help them recognize His hand at work in their own lives and inspire them to live in faith and trust in their Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 22:15
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”
This verse acknowledges the propensity of children to exhibit foolish behavior and emphasizes the role of discipline in guiding them towards wisdom and righteousness. It encourages parents and caregivers to administer correction and guidance, steering their children away from folly.
Discipline, when done in love and with the intention of teaching, helps children understand the consequences of their actions, cultivates virtues, and molds their character. By instilling godly discipline, we create an environment that fosters growth and facilitates their journey towards maturity and spiritual discernment.
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
This verse reiterates the importance of discipline as an expression of love for our children. It contrasts the detrimental effects of sparing correction and reinforces the idea that proper discipline is an essential component of nurturing and guiding them.
As parents, we must exercise diligence and discernment in disciplining our children, ensuring that our disciplinary actions are motivated by love and a desire for their growth and well-being. True love sometimes requires the difficult task of discipline, resulting in the development of character, morality, and a strong foundation in the ways of the Lord.
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.”
This verse reminds us of the rewarding outcome of disciplined parenting. It emphasizes the long-term benefits that come from diligently teaching, correcting, and guiding our children, leading to their growth and becoming a source of joy and pride.
By investing in the proper discipline and training of our children, we lay the foundation for a future relationship characterized by trust, respect, and mutual understanding. As parents, we experience the joy of seeing our children develop into individuals who bring honor and delight to our hearts.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
In this verse, Timothy is encouraged not to let his youth be a hindrance, but rather to set a positive example for other believers in various aspects of life. It speaks to the potential impact that young individuals can have in the community of faith when they choose to live in accordance with godly values.
Regardless of their age, children and young people have the capacity to influence others through their actions, speech, and love for God. As adults, we should encourage and empower them to take up this responsibility, supporting and guiding them as they become ambassadors for Christ within their own generation.
Proverbs 20:11
“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.”
This verse underscores the significance of a child’s actions and behavior as a reflection of their character. It recognizes that even at a young age, children can exhibit qualities of purity and uprightness that reveal their true nature.
As adults, we should pay attention to the behavior of children, acknowledging and affirming their displays of integrity and godly attributes. By doing so, we affirm their identity as children of God and encourage them to continue growing in the path of righteousness.
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
This verse commends the importance of honoring and respecting parents, urging children to listen to the wisdom and life-giving guidance they offer. It specifically highlights the significance of caring for and respecting mothers as they age.
As children, we are called to value the love, wisdom, and sacrifices of our parents. This verse serves as a reminder that our relationship with them is not limited to our childhood but extends into their old age. It encourages us to continue honoring and supporting them as they grow older, valuing their insight and cherishing their presence in our lives.
Proverbs 1:8-9
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.”
In these verses, children are urged to heed the instructions and teachings of their parents. The analogy of a graceful garland and pendants symbolizes the beauty, honor, and blessings that come from embracing the wisdom imparted by parents.
It is essential for children to regard the guidance and teachings of their parents as invaluable treasures, recognizing the love and care behind their instructions. By willingly receiving their counsel, children can benefit from the legacy of wisdom passed down through generations, growing in character and enjoying the blessings that come from a life of obedience.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
This verse conveys the importance of children obeying their parents as an act of reverence and obedience to God. It emphasizes that honoring and obeying parents is a way of pleasing the Lord in all aspects of life.
Children are called to submit to their parents’ authority and guidance, recognizing that it is ultimately rooted in God’s design for family relationships. By doing so, they learn valuable lessons in obedience and develop character traits that are conducive to a life that glorifies God.
Psalm 127:4
“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.”
This verse employs the imagery of a warrior wielding arrows to illustrate the significance and potential impact of children in one’s life. It portrays children as powerful instruments that can be carefully aimed and directed towards a predetermined purpose.
As parents, we should recognize the responsibility and privilege of raising children who will shape the future. Just as a skilled warrior utilizes arrows strategically, we are called to invest in the intentional upbringing of our children, training them to make a positive difference in the world and fulfill the purposes God has for their lives.
Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”
This verse highlights the influence that a righteous person can have upon their children. It affirms that living a life of integrity and righteousness can bring blessings not only to the individual but also to their offspring.
By demonstrating a steadfast commitment to godly principles, we create a legacy of faith and righteousness for our children to inherit. As parents and mentors, we have the opportunity to shape their lives positively, nurturing their relationship with God and imparting a pattern of righteousness that will impact future generations.
2 Timothy 3:15
“…and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
In this verse, Paul commends Timothy for his early exposure to the sacred Scriptures, acknowledging their role in providing wisdom and leading him to salvation through faith in Christ.
It is vital for children to be familiar with the Word of God from a young age. By teaching them the truth and principles found within the Bible, we equip them with the knowledge and foundation necessary to navigate life’s challenges, make wise decisions, and cultivate an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 103:13
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.”
This verse draws a parallel between the compassion displayed by a loving father towards his children and the compassionate nature of God towards those who revere and honor Him. It highlights the tender care and love that God extends to His children, mirroring the loving relationship between a father and his own offspring.
Just as earthly fathers demonstrate compassion towards their children, God’s love and compassion towards His people are immeasurably greater. This verse encourages us to trust in His boundless compassion, finding comfort and security in His unwavering care and affection.