Introduction

The protection of children is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the value and dignity of young lives. Scripture provides guidance on the responsibility of adults to safeguard and nurture children, reflecting God's love and care for the most vulnerable among us. This entry explores biblical principles and passages that underscore the importance of protecting children.

Biblical Foundations

1. Children as a Blessing from God

The Bible consistently portrays children as a blessing and a heritage from the Lord. 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 intrinsic value of children and the joy they bring to families and communities.

2. Jesus' Love for Children

Jesus Christ's ministry provides profound insights into the importance of children. In Matthew 19:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This statement not only affirms the worth of children but also emphasizes their place in God's kingdom. Jesus' welcoming attitude towards children serves as a model for how they should be treated—with love, respect, and protection.

3. The Call to Protect and Nurture

The Bible calls for the protection and nurturing of children, recognizing their vulnerability. In Proverbs 22:6 , it is advised, "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 guardians to guide children in righteousness, ensuring their spiritual and moral development.

4. Warnings Against Harm

Scripture contains stern warnings against causing harm to children. In Matthew 18:6 , Jesus issues a grave warning: "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 highlights the seriousness with which God views the protection of children and the severe consequences for those who lead them astray.

5. Justice for the Vulnerable

The Bible advocates for justice and care for the vulnerable, including children. 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 defending the rights and well-being of children, ensuring they are not exploited or oppressed.

Practical Implications

The biblical mandate to protect children has practical implications for families, communities, and societies. Parents are encouraged to create safe and nurturing environments, teaching children about God's love and guiding them in truth. Churches and communities are called to support families, provide resources, and advocate for policies that safeguard children's welfare.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on protecting children reflect God's heart for the innocent and vulnerable. By following these principles, believers can honor God and contribute to a world where children are cherished, protected, and allowed to flourish.Psalm 82:3
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Topicalbible.org

James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
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Jeremiah 49:11
Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let your widows trust in me.
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The Cross as a Social Principle
... It seems contemptible for us to walk off with the pleasures and powers of intellectual
training, and to leave the work of protecting children and working girls ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter xi the cross as.htm

Instructed in the Law of God
... They saw that it was because of a departure from God that His protecting care had
been withdrawn and that the children of Abraham had been scattered in foreign ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 56 instructed in the.htm

Self-Help
... not wish us to be always as animals, not even always as children; he wishes ... We felt
what a blessed thing, not merely protecting and guiding, but elevating and ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xx self-help.htm

Epistle xxvi. To Theoctista, Patrician
... I see fulfilled what is written of the elect fathers, But the children of Israel ...
received the gift of speaking in behalf of justice, of protecting the oppressed ...
/.../epistle xxvi to theoctista patrician.htm

The Disciple, -- Master, what is the Real Meaning of Service? is ...
... family, or does God stand in need of the help of man in protecting or preserving ...
bad habits and evil associations, and it is the duty of My children to lead ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 4.htm

He Spake to them of the Father
... bestowed upon us is the love of a father for his son, a tender protecting love,
that ... Because we are the children and He is the Father, we must let Him do the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 5 he spake to.htm

And it Should be Remarked in Passing that this Force Upon a Man to ...
... Like the fire, the woman is expected to tell tales to the children, not original ...
It was only by partly limiting and protecting the woman that she was enabled ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 18 and it should.htm

Deuteronomy
... two; it was a belief that the one and only true God was protecting him, teaching ...
own fig-tree, and eat the labour of his hands, he and his children after him ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xv deuteronomy.htm

A Path in the Sea
... we have to think of these two millions of people"women, children, and followers ... we
can feel that it must have taken some trust in God's protecting hand to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm

The Greatest Prayer.
... Men are His children. ... Health, strength, home, loved ones, friendships, money, guidance,
protecting care, the necessities, the extras that love ever thinks of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the greatest prayer.htm

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