"'WHOEVER CAUSES ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES WHO BELIEVE IN ME TO SIN, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.' " (Matthew 18:1-6) “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me TO STUMBLE, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea." (Mark 9:42)
Clearly, Jesus takes hindering, abusing, using, etc. children, especially those who are spiritually a child, VERY seriously! As parents we must always teach in love and discipline with justice. This does not mean an adult should be passive and not correct a child for bad and unacceptable behavior because that too is a sign of being unloving and abusive. Even God chastens or corrects us because he loves us: "If you endure chastening, GOD DEALS WITH YOU AS WITH SONS; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which ALL have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. "Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be PARTAKERS OF HIS HOLINESS. "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:7-11) "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent." (Revelation 3:19)
One of the primary problems for each generation is to figure out what IS abuse. In the modern English dictionaries the definition is to attack verbally, to misuse or mistreat someone. This can be manifested in verbal insults, physical battery (although spanking done in love and for the good of the child is permitted), emotional and psychological mistreatment because of lies and hypocrisy, and spiritual deception. It also includes neglecting very important parts of being a human being such as withholding items of survival like food, water, and heat. Love and nurturing are vital parts is aiding humans to grow up properly. This was demonstrated when institutionalized babies became adults. They did not receive personal, one-on-one attention from a caregiver and were unable to love in return. Unfortunately, this world is full of this kind of treatment and for some it seems as though it is normal. But it is not acceptable to God. We are first told not to murder or kill our brother. This was the first lesson of mankind in the story of Cain and Abel. We are expected to be our brother's keeper and in the case of rape we are to step in and prevent this from happening if we are truly loving God and following his Law (Deuteronomy 22:25-27). The Bible is full of stories of humans abusing each other. God certainly does not like this behavior amongst his own children (us) and would never approve of abuse for any reason. He is a Being of law and order. He is Love and Truth and Mercy. In conclusion, the Bible clearly states that we should NEVER condone or be a part of child abuse or any other kind of abuse against our fellow men and women, regardless of their age. Such attitudes and actions come from the "works of the flesh," our human nature apart from God, which Paul enumerates in Galatians (Galatians 5:14-15, 19-21). I hope this brief explanation spurs you on to further study this topic in scripture. Remember, God holds each of us responsible for teaching children about Him and his Way (Deuteronomy 4:9). May God Bless your study of His Word. | 