The Plans God Has for Those Who Hurt Children

A Serious Warning for Offenders

Children, often referred to as the "least of these" in the Scriptures, are held in high regard by the Creator. Throughout the Bible, God's immense love for children is clear and so is His perspective on those who mistreat them. As believers, it's vital for us to understand God’s view on this matter, especially in a world where child abuse is unfortunately widespread.

1. A Serious Warning for Offenders

Matthew 18:6 (NIV) - “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.”

Jesus Himself spoke these words as a severe warning against harming children. It underscores the gravity of such actions and provides a clear message about how God views those who inflict pain upon children.

2. God's Demand for Justice

Psalms 127:3 (NIV) - “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.”

Children are considered a blessing and a gift from God. He values them highly, and as such, any harm done to them is seen as a violation of His creation. Throughout the Scriptures, God has always sought justice for the oppressed, and children are no exception.

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) - “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.”

Children, especially those who have been abused, fall into the category of those who often cannot advocate for themselves. It is not only a call for God’s justice but also a mandate for believers to rise and defend those who are voiceless.

3. Repentance and God's Merciful Nature

Ezekiel 18:21-23 (NIV) - “But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die. None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live. Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?”

Despite the heinous nature of the act of harming a child, God's nature is always leaning towards mercy and forgiveness. If one genuinely repents and turns away from their wicked ways, God promises forgiveness and a new beginning. This doesn’t negate the consequences that one might face in earthly terms, but it does speak of spiritual redemption and renewal.

Conclusion

The Scriptures make it evident that God's view on harming children is one of abhorrence and that He seeks justice for these innocent souls. Children, being vulnerable, rely on adults not only for their physical needs but also for their emotional and spiritual nurturing. Any harm done to them, whether physical or emotional, is seen as a grave sin in God's eyes.

Yet, in His boundless mercy, God offers a path of redemption for those willing to genuinely repent and change their ways. It serves as a reminder that while God is just, He is also full of grace, always eager to restore a broken relationship if approached with a genuine heart.

Call to Action

In a world where child abuse continues to persist, it is not enough for us as believers to stand by idly. We must rise to:

1. Educate Ourselves and Others - Understand the signs of abuse and educate those around you.

2. Speak Up - If you suspect any form of child abuse, report it to the proper authorities. Your voice might be the only hope for a suffering child.

3. Support and Counsel - Offer assistance and counseling for victims and perpetrators. While justice must be served, healing is essential for both parties.

4. Pray - Never underestimate the power of prayer. Pray for the healing of the victims and for the transformation of the perpetrators.

By fulfilling our God-given mandate, we can become vessels of change and healing in a hurting world!