Murder is a grievous sin in the Bible, and the taking of innocent life, especially that of a child, is a particularly heartbreaking act. The Bible speaks clearly about the sanctity of life and God’s care for the most vulnerable. In this post, we’ll explore what Scripture says about the value of children and the consequences of harming them.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Evil Politicians
What Does The Bible Say About Testing God
Genesis 22:1
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”
This verse shows that God tests His people to reveal their faith and obedience. Abraham’s willingness to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice demonstrated his trust in God’s promises.
God’s tests are not meant to harm us, but to refine us and deepen our relationship with Him. When we face tests, we should remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is working for our good.
Exodus 16:4
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.”
This verse reveals that God tested the Israelites in the wilderness to see if they would obey His commands. He provided manna as a daily provision, testing their trust in His provision and their commitment to following His instructions.
Like the Israelites, we must remain faithful and obedient to God’s Word, even in challenging circumstances. God tests us to strengthen our faith and to teach us reliance on His provision.
Deuteronomy 8:2
This verse emphasizes that God tested the Israelites in the wilderness to humble them and reveal the true condition of their hearts. Through testing, God wanted to see if they would remain faithful to His commandments.
In our lives, God allows tests to mold our character and reveal our hearts’ true motives. We must recognize these tests as opportunities for growth and surrender to God’s will.
Psalm 26:2
Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind.
David’s plea in this verse demonstrates his desire for God to search his heart and thoughts. He willingly invites God to test and examine him.
Just as David acknowledged his need for God’s testing, we should also invite God to examine our hearts, motives, and thoughts. Testing can reveal areas of weakness and enable us to grow in our faith.
Proverbs 17:3
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts.
This proverb compares the refining process of precious metals to God’s testing of our hearts. Just as impurities are removed through intense heat, God uses testing to purify and refine our faith.
God’s tests are not meant to break us but to strengthen us. We can trust that He knows what is best for us and that His refining process will produce character traits that reflect His image.
Jeremiah 17:10
“I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
In this verse, God declares that He examines the heart and tests the mind of every person. He rewards each individual based on their actions and the fruit that is produced.
It is essential for us to understand that God sees beyond our outward appearance and evaluates the motives behind our actions. We should strive to live with integrity and pursue righteousness, knowing that God will reward our faithfulness.
Daniel 11:35
And some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time.
This verse speaks about a time of testing and refinement for the wise. It reveals that even those who are considered wise may stumble and go through trials to be purified and refined.
God’s testing is not reserved for the weak or unwise alone. He allows challenges to refine all believers and prepare them for the future. We can trust in His faithfulness throughout the refining process.
Malachi 3:3
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.
This verse speaks of God refining and purifying the Levites, the chosen priests of Israel. It highlights how God uses testing as a means to purify individuals and prepare them for righteous service.
We can take comfort in knowing that God’s testing leads to a more significant purpose and prepares us for His service. Through testing, God shapes us into vessels fit for His Kingdom’s work.
Matthew 4:1
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
This verse reveals that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to face temptation from the devil. God allowed this testing to demonstrate Jesus’ obedience and strengthen His ministry.
Just as Jesus faced testing, we too will encounter trials and temptations. Through these experiences, God teaches us to rely on Him, resist temptation, and grow in our spiritual walk.
Matthew 6:13
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches His disciples to ask God not to lead them into temptation but to deliver them from evil. This prayer acknowledges the presence of trials and the need for God’s deliverance.
We can pray this prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength to overcome temptations and trials. It reminds us of our dependence on God’s protection and deliverance in the midst of testing.
Luke 4:13
And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
This verse describes how the devil tempted Jesus but ultimately left Him after exhausting all the temptations. The devil recognized that Jesus could not be swayed.
Jesus’ victory over temptation emphasizes His perfect obedience and serves as an example for us. We too can resist temptation through faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 6:6
This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.
In this verse, Jesus tests Philip by asking him about feeding the multitude. Jesus already knew what He would do, but He wanted to see Philip’s response and test his faith.
God often tests us to strengthen our faith and reveal areas where we need growth. We should rely on His wisdom and trust that He knows what He is doing in our lives.
Acts 20:19
serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews;
In this verse, Paul acknowledges the trials he faced while serving the Lord. He points out that his ministry was accompanied by tears and challenges due to opposition from the Jews.
As believers, we may also face trials and opposition when following Christ. However, we should remain steadfast, continuing to serve the Lord with humility, knowing that He will sustain us through every trial.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
This verse assures believers that no temptation is unique, and God will always provide a way to escape temptation. It indicates that God sets limits to the trials we face, ensuring that we can bear them.
When we encounter trials, we can rely on God’s faithfulness and seek His guidance to overcome temptation. He is our source of strength, and He will never allow us to be tested beyond what we can endure.
2 Corinthians 4:17
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
Paul describes the trials believers face as light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits them. He emphasizes that these afflictions have a purpose in preparing believers for their eternal reward.
Our perspective on trials should shift as we recognize the temporary nature of our present difficulties. The testing we endure on earth is part of a greater plan that leads to everlasting glory and rewards in God’s kingdom.
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for joy because they produce steadfastness and maturity in their faith. He emphasizes that enduring trials leads to spiritual growth and completeness.
When we face various trials, we should maintain an attitude of joy, knowing that God uses them to strengthen our faith and develop perseverance within us. Through these tests, we become more Christ-like and lack nothing necessary for our spiritual journey.
1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Peter reminds believers that trials may cause temporary grief, but they also serve to prove the genuineness of their faith. Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith is tested to bring praise, glory, and honor to Jesus Christ.
With this understanding, we can rejoice in the midst of trials, knowing that our faith is being tested and refined. Our response to testing will ultimately bring glory to God and exaltation in His presence.
1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Peter warns believers not to be surprised by the trials they face, declaring them as normal testing that occurs in the lives of believers. He encourages them not to view testing as something strange or abnormal.
When hardships come, we should remember that trials are part of the Christian experience. Our faith will be tested, but we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us, sustaining and guiding us through every trial.
Revelation 3:10
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
In this verse, Jesus commends those who have patiently endured and promises to protect them from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world. He assures them of His faithfulness and provision.
As believers, we can take comfort in the promise that God will preserve and protect us through the ultimate trial that is to come. Our faithful endurance in this present time prepares us for the future and brings us closer to the eternal rewards of God’s kingdom.
Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
In the final verse of the Bible, the one who testifies to the truth declares that Jesus is coming soon. This affirmation beckons believers to eagerly await His return and proclaim, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
While testing and trials are present in this world, our ultimate hope lies in the return of Jesus Christ. As we face testing, we long for His coming, knowing that He will bring an end to suffering and establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace.