What does the Bible say about child abuse?

Question: "What does the Bible say about child abuse?"

Answer: The Bible does not specifically say anything about child abuse. There is no record of a single instance in the Bible where a child is being abused. What the Bible does tell us is this: Children have a special place in God’s heart and anyone who harms a child is inviting God’s wrath upon Him. Jesus welcomed little children to His side and said that the kingdom of God belongs to “such as these” (Mark 10:14).

Jesus had harsh words for anyone who would cause a child to stumble, “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, 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.” The Bible tells parents to be gentle and loving with their children (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). So even though the Bible does not specifically mention child abuse, it is abundantly clear how God feels about the issue.

Recommended Resource: The New Dare to Discipline by James Dobson.