Protecting children is a theme close to God’s heart, and the Bible speaks strongly about the value and innocence of children. But what does the Bible say about those who harm or hurt children? Scripture contains serious warnings about causing harm to little ones, emphasizing the importance of care, love, and nurturing. In this post, we’ll dive into what the Bible says about hurting children, the consequences outlined for such actions, and God’s deep love for the youngest among us.
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What Does The Bible Say About Hurting Children
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 nurturing and guiding children in the right path. It reminds us of our responsibility to provide a safe and loving environment for children to grow, teaching them moral values and helping shape their character.
Hurting children goes against this biblical principle and causes lasting damage to their well-being, both physically and emotionally. As Christians, we are called to protect and cherish children, ensuring their growth and development in a nurturing and loving manner.
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 conveys the severity of causing harm or leading children astray. Jesus warns against becoming stumbling blocks in the faith journey of children, highlighting the gravity of the offense.
Hurting children not only violates their trust and innocence but also disrupts their spiritual growth and relationship with God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the accountability we have in safeguarding the spiritual well-being of children and refraining from any actions that may lead them astray.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
This verse emphasizes the divine value and blessing of children. It demonstrates that children are a gift from God and should be treated with love, care, and respect.
Hurting children contradicts the understanding that they are precious and unique creations of God. This verse reminds us to cherish and protect the lives of children, recognizing them as valuable members of society and recipients of God’s grace.
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 parents directly, urging them to raise their children in a manner that fosters their spiritual and emotional well-being. It advises against actions that may provoke children to anger or cause them harm.
Hurting children contradicts the biblical instruction to parents to nurture and discipline their children in a way that aligns with God’s teachings. Parents are called to lead by example, demonstrating love, patience, and guidance, rather than engaging in harmful behavior that can negatively impact their children.
Matthew 19:14
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'”‘
This verse highlights the importance of welcoming and embracing children, allowing them to have access to Jesus and His teachings. Jesus affirms the significance of children by stating that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Hurting children directly opposes Jesus’ invitation to bring them closer to Him. It is our responsibility to create an environment where children can encounter Jesus, learn about His love, and experience His grace, shielding them from harm and showing them the path to salvation.
Mark 10:14
“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.”
This verse reiterates the importance of allowing children to approach Jesus without any hindrances. Jesus displays righteous anger at those who would interrupt or prevent children from coming to Him.
Hurting children goes against the clear command of Jesus to let them come to Him freely. As Christians, we should diligently foster an environment that encourages children to seek a relationship with Christ, protecting them from any harm that may hinder their spiritual growth.
Psalm 34:11
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
This verse portrays the importance of teaching children about the fear and reverence of the Lord. It calls for children to listen and learn from those who can impart godly wisdom and instruction.
Hurting children undermines our responsibility to guide them in understanding and embracing the fear of the Lord. As Christians, we have a duty to impart spiritual knowledge and encourage children to cultivate a deep reverence for God, leading them away from any harm or wrongdoing.
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
This verse addresses the importance of discipline in raising children. It highlights that a lack of discipline can indicate a lack of love, while genuine love is demonstrated through diligent discipline.
However, it is vital to note that discipline does not equate to hurting children. Discipline, when practiced in a loving and controlled manner, helps in the development and growth of children. Hurting children in the name of discipline deviates from the biblical principle of nurturing and guiding them with love and care.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of consistently teaching and discussing God’s commandments with children. It encourages parents to integrate spiritual instruction into everyday life, fostering a deep understanding of God’s ways.
Hurting children opposes the nurturing environment required for the diligent teaching of God’s commandments. As Christians, we are called to create an atmosphere where children can learn about God’s love and become familiar with His teachings, enabling them to grow in faith and understanding.
Proverbs 17:6
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
This verse acknowledges the honor and joy that children bring to their parents and grandparents. It illustrates the special bond between generations and the significance of familial relationships.
Hurting children tarnishes this beauty and glory, causing emotional and physical harm that can have lasting effects. It is our duty to protect and cherish the well-being of children, fostering an environment where they can flourish and bring honor to their families.
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 highlights the responsibility of providing for one’s family, especially those within the same household. It emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of family members and ensuring their well-being.
Hurting children not only contradicts this duty to provide for them but also violates the very essence of Christian faith and the care we should have for one another. As Christians, we must prioritize the physical and emotional welfare of children, actively working to protect and support them.
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
This verse encourages believers to love one another with genuine care and affection, surpassing each other in showing honor and respect.
Hurting children directly opposes the command to love one another and show honor. Children should be afforded the highest level of care and protection, reflecting the love of Christ in all our interactions with them.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
This verse describes the fruits of the Spirit, qualities that should be evident in the lives of believers. It highlights characteristics such as love, kindness, and self-control as essential components of a Christian’s walk with God.
Hurting children contradicts these qualities, lacking love, gentleness, and self-control. As Christians, we are called to cultivate these fruits in our lives and extend them to others, including children, demonstrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within us.
Psalm 82:3-4
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
This verse commands believers to stand for justice and defend the vulnerable, including the weak, fatherless, afflicted, and destitute. It emphasizes the duty to rescue and deliver those in need from the hand of the wicked.
Hurting children directly opposes this call for justice and protection. As Christians, we are called to be advocates for those who cannot protect themselves, working to ensure the safety and well-being of children and actively opposing any form of harm or mistreatment.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
This verse reminds us that children are a blessing and gift from God. It acknowledges the value and significance of children, highlighting their role as a precious heritage.
Hurting children undermines this biblical understanding of their worth and importance. As Christians, we are called to honor and protect the lives of children, recognizing their inherent value and treating them with care and compassion.
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This verse urges believers to be advocates for the voiceless and defend the rights of those who are destitute. It encourages taking a stand for justice and judging righteously.
Hurting children contradicts the call to defend the rights of the vulnerable. As Christians, we should actively protect children, ensuring their well-being and advocating for their rights, just as God calls us to do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of encouragement and building up one another within the body of believers. It highlights our role in uplifting and supporting fellow Christians.
Hurting children directly contradicts the call to encourage and build up one another. As Christians, we should strive to create an environment where children are encouraged, supported, and uplifted, fostering their emotional and spiritual growth.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse speaks to the way we should treat others, including our neighbors. It encourages generosity towards those who are poor or in need.
Hurting children reflects a disregard for our neighbors and goes against the biblical call to be generous. As Christians, we are called to extend kindness, compassion, and assistance to those in need, including children, reflecting God’s love and generosity.
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’”
This verse instructs children to obey their parents and honor them. It affirms that this is the right thing to do and promises blessings for those who follow this commandment.
Hurting children goes against the principle of honoring parents and disobeying this biblical instruction. As Christians, we should create an atmosphere of love and respect for children, encouraging their obedience and demonstrating God’s love within the family.
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
This verse highlights the importance of fathers, or parents, not provoking their children. It emphasizes the detrimental effect that provocation can have on children, leading to discouragement.
Hurting children provokes their suffering and discouragement. As Christians, we are called to provide a nurturing and encouraging environment for children, demonstrating love, patience, and understanding, and avoiding any actions that may harm or discourage them.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
This verse reassures believers of God’s good plans for their lives. It speaks of a future filled with hope and welfare, demonstrating God’s desire for His children to experience a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Hurting children opposes God’s plan of welfare and hope for their lives. As Christians, we should actively work to protect and cultivate a hopeful future for children, guiding them towards a life that aligns with God’s purpose and bringing them closer to His divine plans.
Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse encapsulates the principle of the Golden Rule, encouraging believers to treat others as they would like to be treated. It presents a standard of conduct that echoes throughout the Law and the Prophets.
Hurting children violates the principle of treating others as we would want to be treated. As Christians, we should aspire to treat children with love, kindness, and respect, knowing that we would desire the same treatment if we were in their position.