“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” – Matthew 18:6
Love and Protection of Children
We often hear in the Bible how precious children are. Jesus shows us just how much He cares about them. He teaches us that we must love and protect the little ones. God calls us to provide a safe environment for children, as they are innocent beings who deserve our love, guidance, and protection. We all have a responsibility to ensure they grow in a secure space filled with love and encouragement. We are reminded that harming children is not just wrong; it’s a serious matter in the sight of God. We must embrace the role of stewards, caring for the most vulnerable among us.
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.” – Matthew 18:10
Mark 10:14
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” – Mark 10:14
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Psalms 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalms 127:3
Luke 18:16
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” – Luke 18:16
The Consequences of Harming Children
The Bible does not shy away from discussing the serious consequences of harming children. As followers of Christ, we should recognize the weight of our actions and words. God takes the treatment of children very seriously. He unequivocally warns us against causing harm to the innocent. When we fail to protect children or lead them astray, we risk severe consequences that reflect our lack of love and responsibility. We should strive to uphold the sanctity of every child, remembering that how we treat them directly reflects our relationship with God.
Matthew 18:6
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” – Matthew 18:6
Mark 9:42
“If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” – Mark 9:42
Cheating the Innocent
“Woe to those who scheme to harm others, especially children, and take away their innocence.” – Micah 2:1
Luke 17:2
“It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” – Luke 17:2
Psalms 14:4
“Will evildoers never learn—those who devour my people as though eating bread and who do not call on the LORD?” – Psalms 14:4
Teaching and Guiding with Love
As we pursue our mission to guide children, love must be at the core of our teachings. We are reminded of the vital role we have in shaping the hearts and minds of the young. Teaching children to know and love God equips them to withstand life’s storms. When we invest our time in their spiritual growth, we contribute to their emotional and moral development. With love and guidance, we help them discover their value and worth in God’s eyes. We should nurture them, encouraging them to be seekers of truth and lovers of all that is good.
Deuteronomy 6:7
“Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:7
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” – Proverbs 29:17
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” – Proverbs 13:24
God’s Special Concern for Children
God’s heart is always drawn toward children. His special concern emphasizes that children hold a unique place in His plan. We recognize that the Bible illustrates how much God loves every child and sees them as precious. When we realize how important they are in God’s eyes, we become more committed to safeguarding and nurturing their spirits. We need to remember that our children are not just our responsibility, but also a part of God’s plan. In loving our children, we mirror the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father.
Matthews 19:14
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'” – Matthew 19:14
Isaiah 54:13
“All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.” – Isaiah 54:13
Matthew 21:16
“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” – Matthew 21:16
Psalms 8:2
“Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” – Psalms 8:2
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Building a Safe Community for Children
As a community of believers, we are called to band together for the protection and nurturing of our children. We must ensure that we create a safe and loving environment where they can thrive. We should not only look out for our own children but also advocate for all children in our community. When we unite our efforts to defend the innocent, we can foster a place where every child feels secure and valued. We need to support one another in building a community that reflects the love of Christ towards the younger generations.
Psalms 68:5
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” – Psalms 68:5
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
God’s Promise to Children
Finally, we should always remember the beautiful promise God has made concerning children. He assures us that He desires the best for them. This promise is not just for the here and now but extends into eternity. It reminds us that our labor in raising the next generation is infused with hope and promise. We can trust in His divine plan for our children, understanding that they are woven into the grand narrative God is crafting. Let this promise encourage us to model God’s love as we guide them through life.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 10:3
“The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.” – Proverbs 10:3
Isaiah 49:15-16
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” – Isaiah 49:15-16
Psalms 91:11
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” – Psalms 91:11
Isaiah 40:11
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” – Isaiah 40:11
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on these scriptures, we understand just how precious our children are in God’s eyes. We are called to protect, teach, and guide them lovingly. Recognizing the gravity of harming a child brings us to a more responsible and loving approach towards them. As a community, we must strive to create safe spaces filled with compassion and love. God’s promises encourage us to believe in goodness for the lives of our children as we nurture their hearts and souls.
Let’s build an environment where each child feels valued, loved, and safe to grow and learn. As we come together in this journey, let’s always remember to lend our voices to those who cannot speak for themselves. Together, we can ensure that every child experiences the love of Christ so freely offered through us.
As we seek to explore more about the importance of nurturing our children, consider reading about forgiving children and forgiveness for kids. These topics are essential as we strive to raise our little ones in love and wisdom.