Definition and Context:
Abusing children refers to the mistreatment, harm, or neglect of minors, which can manifest in physical, emotional, or sexual forms. In biblical times, children were considered a blessing from God, and their well-being was of significant concern. The Bible emphasizes the importance of nurturing and protecting children, highlighting the grave nature of any form of abuse against them.

Biblical Teachings and References:

1. Value of Children:
The Bible consistently underscores the value and importance of children. In Psalm 127:3 , it is written, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This verse highlights the divine blessing and responsibility associated with raising children.

2. Jesus’ Regard for Children:
Jesus Christ demonstrated a profound regard 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 illustrates the severe consequences for those who harm or lead children astray.

3. Protection and Care:
The Bible calls for the protection and care of the vulnerable, including children. In Proverbs 22:6 , it advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of guiding children in a manner that fosters their spiritual and moral development.

4. Condemnation of Violence and Harm:
Scripture condemns violence and harm against others, including children. In Ephesians 6:4 , fathers are instructed, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This directive encourages nurturing and constructive discipline rather than abusive behavior.

5. Justice for the Oppressed:
The Bible advocates for justice and the defense of those who are oppressed or mistreated. In Isaiah 1:17 , it is written, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This call to action includes protecting children from abuse and advocating for their rights and well-being.

6. Consequences of Sin:
The Bible acknowledges the consequences of sin, including the impact of abusive actions. In Galatians 5:19-21 , the acts of the flesh are listed, including "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage," and it warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage serves as a reminder of the spiritual ramifications of abusive behavior.

Historical and Cultural Insights:

In ancient Israelite society, children were part of the family unit and community, with their upbringing being a collective responsibility. The biblical mandate to care for and protect children was countercultural in a time when children were often undervalued in other ancient societies. The teachings of Jesus further elevated the status of children, emphasizing their importance in the Kingdom of God.

Application for Today:

The biblical principles regarding the treatment of children remain relevant, advocating for their protection, nurturing, and the provision of a safe environment. Modern applications of these teachings call for vigilance against child abuse, support for victims, and the promotion of policies and practices that safeguard children's rights and well-being.Ephesians 6:4
And, 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
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
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1 Timothy 1:10
For fornicators, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for enslavers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
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1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
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1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
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On the Fall
... Ah, my friends, we are indeed Adam's children; and have learned his lesson, and ... by
the eternal grace of God; able to use this world without abusing it; able to ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxvi on the fall.htm

"And this is his Commandment, that we Should Believe on the Name ...
... others, again, apprehending the wrath of God, and their just deservings, abusing
the notion ... gospel are in hazard of this, but even God's own children, who have ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i and this is.htm

Later English Reformers.
... Mobs went from house to house, destroying furniture and goods, plundering whatever
they chose, and brutally abusing men, women, and children. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /14 later english reformers.htm

Later English Reformers
... Mobs went from house to house, destroying furniture and goods, plundering whatever
they chose, and brutally abusing men, women, and children. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 14 later english reformers.htm

The Canons of Dort.
... the whole Man was holy; but revolting from God by the instigation of the devil,
and abusing the freedom ... Man after the fall begat children in his own likeness. ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 67 the canons of.htm

Third Sunday after Easter
... Paul says (1 Corinthians 7, 29-31), uses this world as not abusing it, who buys
and possesses as though he possessed not, who has wife and children as though ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday after easter.htm

A Miracle of Grace
... and they must know it themselves"are ruining their children, deliberately compassing ...
subjected to the most intense heat, the Assyrian king abusing him for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a miracle of grace.htm

Marriage and Celibacy.
... though they possessed not; and they that use this world as not abusing it: for ... Corinth,
and Ephesus, and Colosse, and Philippi, were to him as children; and he ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiv marriage and celibacy.htm

Spiritual Idolatry
... Beloved children, keep yourselves from idols. ... and-fifty!" I allow that most of these
studies have their use, and that it is possible to use without abusing them ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 78 spiritual idolatry.htm

The Resurrection
... Even children hasten thus to die, and not men only, but women train themselves by ...
hand and foot the passers-by sneer at him, hitting him and abusing him, no ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 5 the resurrection.htm

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