Harming Children
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The Bible places significant emphasis on the protection and nurturing of children, viewing them as a blessing and a heritage from the Lord. Throughout Scripture, there are numerous references that underscore the importance of safeguarding children and the severe consequences of causing them harm.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, children are often seen as a sign of God's favor and blessing. Psalm 127:3 states, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This perspective highlights the value and importance of children within the family and community.

The Mosaic Law contains specific provisions aimed at protecting the vulnerable, including children. For instance, the Israelites were commanded to care for orphans and widows, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18 : "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This reflects God's heart for justice and protection for those who cannot defend themselves.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of treating children with care and respect. Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated a profound love for children, often using them as examples of faith and humility. In Matthew 18:5-6 , Jesus states, "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. 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 underscores the gravity of leading children astray or causing them harm.

Additionally, in Mark 10:14 , Jesus expresses His desire for children to come to Him: "When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" This highlights the value Jesus places on children and their place in the Kingdom of God.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical mandate to protect children extends to moral and ethical behavior. 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 parents to nurture their children in a loving and godly manner, avoiding actions that would harm their emotional or spiritual well-being.

The Bible also warns against the exploitation and abuse of children. In the broader context of justice and righteousness, 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 suggests a proactive approach to guiding children in truth and righteousness, ensuring their protection from harm.

Consequences of Harming Children

Scripture is clear about the consequences of harming children. The aforementioned passage in Matthew 18:6 illustrates the severe judgment awaiting those who lead children into sin or cause them harm. This reflects the seriousness with which God views the protection of the innocent and vulnerable.

In summary, the Bible consistently advocates for the protection and nurturing of children, viewing them as precious in the eyes of God. The teachings of both the Old and New Testaments call for a community that values, protects, and raises children in the knowledge and love of the Lord, warning against any form of harm or exploitation.
Topical Bible Verses
John 17:15
I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Matt. x. 34
... when He was bidding them set themselves against parents, and children, and nature ...
Thus, "These things," saith He, "so far from harming, will very greatly profit ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxv matt x 34.htm

A view of Jesus.
... He stands ready to give them to his children. ... Praise the Lord! Nothing can harm us,
for every harmful and harming thing is beneath the feet of our Lord. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/a view of jesus.htm

A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber
... to them it was for the sake of the people who were harming themselves by ... The children
of wisdom would see that there was right in both courses; the children of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/a gluttonous man and a.htm

Rejoicing in the Lord
... How would any parent feel to be thus treated by his children? ... All this is harming
your own soul; for every word of doubt you utter is inviting Satan's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 13 rejoicing in the.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... stop to corruption, to conquer death, to reconcile disobedient children to their ...
feeds on men's destruction; but truth, like the bee, harming nothing, delights ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm

A Revelation on the Trial of Perfect Chastity.
... and quiet within you, then the touch of this visible flame also shall pass over
you gently and without harming you as it did over the three children in Babylon ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter x a revelation on.htm

The Wilderness.
... a moment and to fulfil His oaths to their forefather in the children of Moses ... to
curse Israel, the miserable prophet devised a surer means of harming them: he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson iv the wilderness.htm

Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
... thousand in all, including women and children, necessitating slow progress. But
all were preserved in safety. Their enemies were restrained from harming them. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 50 ezra the priest.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... satisfied a hundred men with a little bread; and Jesus satisfied four thousand men,
besides women and children, with five ... [1142] From (harming) Daniel the ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

David the Outcast.
... of the Lord," and in this way he kept his servants from harming Saul, and ... spare David's
life, he made David promise to spare the life of his children when he ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxii david the outcast.htm

Resources
Why should I not have an abortion? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean when it says not to touch God's anointed? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian respond to bullying? | GotQuestions.org

Harming: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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