The Bible, as a source of moral and ethical guidance for many, offers a wealth of wisdom regarding the sanctity of human life, especially that of children. Throughout its various books, it consistently emphasizes the importance of protecting and nurturing the vulnerable, making clear that harming a child is a grave transgression. While the Bible doesn't explicitly address every modern-day scenario, its core principles provide a framework for understanding God's perspective on child safety and well-being.
The Value of Children in Scripture
The Bible repeatedly underscores the immense value placed on children. They are often portrayed as a blessing, a symbol of hope, and a reflection of God's love.
Psalm 127:3-5 states: "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them!" This passage highlights the joy and blessing children bring to a family and emphasizes their role in carrying on the legacy of faith.
Jesus' Example:
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates his deep affection for children. He welcomes them, embraces them, and sets them as examples of faith and humility. In Matthew 19:14, he says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Jesus' actions and words clearly convey the importance of safeguarding and cherishing children.
Protecting Children: A Divine Mandate
The Bible also mandates the protection of children from harm. This principle is woven throughout the Old and New Testaments, with specific pronouncements regarding child abuse and exploitation.
Exodus 20:13 states: "You shall not murder." This fundamental law, given to Moses, serves as a cornerstone for understanding the sanctity of life, including the lives of children.
Deuteronomy 22:24 addresses sexual abuse: "If a man is found lying with a woman who is the wife of another man, both of them shall be put to death—the man who lay with the woman and the woman herself." This passage, though harsh by modern standards, highlights the severity with which the Bible views such offenses against a woman and, implicitly, against the potential child she might bear.
Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of proper upbringing: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the responsibility of parents and caregivers to provide children with a nurturing environment that fosters their physical, emotional, and spiritual development.
Addressing Harm: A Call to Action
The Bible doesn't offer specific legal or societal solutions for every modern-day challenge, but its core principles provide a foundation for responding to the harm inflicted upon children.
James 1:27 encourages us to: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This passage highlights the importance of showing compassion to those who are vulnerable and in need, including children who have been abused or neglected.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 encourages us to: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." These verses remind us that love is not only about feeling but also about acting in a way that protects and nurtures others, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
Conclusion
The Bible's message about harming a child is unambiguous: It is wrong, it is a sin, and it is an affront to God's design for human life. While the Bible doesn't explicitly address every modern-day scenario, its core principles provide a moral compass for navigating complex issues related to child safety and well-being. By upholding the values of compassion, protection, and justice, we can work to create a world where every child is valued, loved, and safe.
