Topical Encyclopedia Child abuse, a grievous violation of the dignity and sanctity of human life, is a subject that, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is addressed through the broader biblical principles of love, protection, and the inherent value of children. The Bible consistently upholds the importance of nurturing and safeguarding children, emphasizing their worth and the responsibility of adults to care for them.Biblical View of Children Children are depicted in the Scriptures as blessings from God. Psalm 127:3 states, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This verse underscores the belief that children are a divine gift, deserving of love and protection. The Bible also highlights the innocence and purity of children, as seen in Jesus' words in Matthew 18:3 : "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Parental Responsibility The Bible places a significant emphasis on the responsibility of parents and guardians to raise children in a loving and godly environment. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse calls for a nurturing approach that avoids harshness and fosters spiritual growth. Condemnation of Harm While the Bible does not specifically mention "child abuse," it condemns any form of harm or injustice against the vulnerable. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This training implies a positive, supportive upbringing rather than one marked by abuse or neglect. Furthermore, Jesus' strong words in Matthew 18:6 highlight the severity of causing harm to children: "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This passage reflects the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of children. Protection and Justice The Bible advocates for justice and protection for all, especially the defenseless. Psalm 82:3-4 commands, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." These verses call for active intervention to protect those who cannot protect themselves, including children. Healing and Restoration For those who have suffered from child abuse, the Bible offers hope and healing. Psalm 147:3 assures, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." The message of the Gospel is one of restoration and redemption, offering comfort and peace to those who have been harmed. In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly address child abuse as a modern term, its teachings provide a clear framework for understanding the value of children, the responsibilities of caregivers, and the imperative to protect and nurture the young. Through its principles, the Bible calls for a community that cherishes and defends its most vulnerable members. Topical Bible Verses Ephesians 6:4And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Topicalbible.org Colossians 3:21 Psalm 127:3-5 Titus 2:4 Proverbs 22:6 Proverbs 29:15 Strong's Hebrew 5953. alal -- to act severely... to act severely. Transliteration: alal Phonetic Spelling: (aw-lal') Short Definition: abuse. abuse, affect, child, defile, do, glean, mock, practice, ... /hebrew/5953.htm - 5k Library Home as a Nursery. The Dying Girl's Prayer for Her Drunken Father Misused Respite Home-Government. Concerning Abimelech; and Concerning Ismael the Son of Abraham ... Home-Education. The Choice of Pursuits. An Exhortation to the Sacrifice which we are to Make to God of Our ... "Except Ye See Signs and Wonders" Perseverance of Saints. Resources How should Christian parents handle the death of a child? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to "spare the rod, spoil the child"? | GotQuestions.org Is the inner child a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org Child: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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