Children are a gift from God.
They are precious, innocent, and full of potential.
The Bible makes it clear that children are to be loved, protected, and guided with care.
Yet, throughout history and even today, children are often mistreated, neglected, or harmed.
Mistreating a child is not only a violation of human decency, but it also goes against God’s heart.
What does the Bible say about how children should be treated?
Does God condemn those who harm children?
By looking at Scripture, we can understand God’s deep love for children and the serious consequences of mistreating them.
Children Are a Blessing from God
The Bible repeatedly describes children as a blessing.
Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
This verse reminds us that children are not a burden but a gift.
God entrusts children to parents and caregivers, expecting them to be raised with love and wisdom.
Jesus Himself cherished children.
In Mark 10:13-16, people brought their children to Jesus so He could bless them, but the disciples tried to stop them.
Jesus was not pleased with this.
Mark 10:14-15 records His response:
“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.
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”
Jesus did not see children as insignificant.
He welcomed them, valued them, and used them as an example of faith.
If Jesus had such love for children, then mistreating them is the opposite of what God desires.
The Bible Condemns Mistreating a Child
The Bible strongly warns against harming or neglecting children.
Jesus gave a serious warning in 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.”
This is one of the strongest warnings in all of Scripture.
Jesus was saying that leading a child into sin or harming their faith is an extremely serious offense.
Mistreating a child can take many forms—abuse, neglect, harsh punishment, or failing to guide them in truth.
Whatever the form, God sees it and does not take it lightly.
Proverbs 22:6 gives parents and caregivers a responsibility:
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This verse does not just apply to teaching good behavior—it also means raising children in a loving, safe, and godly environment.
Mistreating a child contradicts this biblical instruction and can have lasting consequences.
The Responsibility of Parents and Caregivers
God gives parents and caregivers a great responsibility.
They are not just raising children; they are shaping future generations.
Ephesians 6:4 instructs, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
This verse warns against harsh or unfair treatment that discourages or harms a child.
Children need discipline, but discipline should come from love, not anger or cruelty.
Colossians 3:21 also provides guidance:
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
When a child is constantly mistreated, they may lose hope, struggle with self-worth, or even turn away from faith.
God desires parents to nurture their children, providing not only for their physical needs but also for their emotional and spiritual well-being.
Discipline Should Be Loving, Not Abusive
The Bible supports discipline, but it makes a distinction between discipline and abuse.
Proverbs 13:24 states, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
This verse is often misunderstood.
It does not encourage harming a child, but rather, it highlights the importance of guiding them with correction and wisdom.
Hebrews 12:11 explains why discipline is necessary:
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Loving discipline is meant to help a child grow, not to hurt or break them.
Mistreatment, whether physical or emotional, is not godly discipline.
It is abuse, and it goes against the heart of God.
God Defends the Weak and the Innocent
Throughout the Bible, God shows that He is a defender of the weak, including children.
Psalm 82:3-4 commands,
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Children are among the most vulnerable in society.
They cannot always defend themselves, which is why God calls His people to protect them.
James 1:27 also speaks to this responsibility:
“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.”
Caring for children—especially those who are vulnerable—is a reflection of God’s love.
Mistreating them is the opposite of what He commands.
The Consequences of Mistreating a Child
Mistreating a child does not go unnoticed by God.
The Bible is clear that those who harm the innocent will face consequences.
Proverbs 11:21 states, “Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.”
Harming a child leads to deep emotional and spiritual wounds.
Many children who experience mistreatment grow up struggling with trust, fear, and self-worth.
Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6 reminds us that those who harm children will face judgment.
However, God also offers redemption.
If someone has mistreated a child, they must seek forgiveness—both from God and from the child—while taking responsibility for their actions.
Healing for Those Who Have Been Mistreated
For those who have been mistreated as children, the Bible offers hope and healing.
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
God sees the pain of those who have suffered and offers them comfort.
Isaiah 41:10 gives reassurance:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
No matter what a person has endured, God can restore them.
Through faith, counseling, and support from loving people, healing is possible.
How to Protect and Care for Children
If mistreating children is so serious in God’s eyes, then what should believers do to protect and care for them?
First, they should provide a safe and loving environment.
This means making sure children feel secure, valued, and encouraged.
Proverbs 29:17 says, “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”
Discipline should be done with love, never out of anger.
Second, believers should stand against child abuse and neglect.
Proverbs 31:8-9 instructs, “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 often cannot defend themselves, so it is the responsibility of adults to protect them.
Finally, they should raise children in a way that points them to God.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands,
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
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.”
Teaching children about God’s love and truth sets them on the right path for life.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that mistreating a child is wrong.
God loves children and calls His people to protect, nurture, and guide them with love.
Mistreating a child can have lifelong effects, but God offers healing to those who have been hurt.
He also offers redemption to those who seek forgiveness for past mistakes.
As followers of Christ, believers must stand for the protection and care of children, ensuring that they grow up in an environment filled with love, security, and faith.
By treating children with the love and respect that God desires, they reflect His heart and fulfill His calling to care for the innocent.