IN the African traditional context, child protection or rights advocacy is often confused with child spoiling.
Yet, child protection or observing the rights of children is actually a religious instruction.
The Bible provides a spiritual guide to protecting children, balancing discipline with compassion, protecting children from violence and responding justly when children come into conflict with the law.
At the centre of this framework is the teaching and example of Jesus Christ, who consistently elevated the status of children in a society that often marginalises them. Most countries in the world, even those that do not observe Christianity, base their laws and life on Bible principles. This article explores five key areas of child protection. Each section is grounded in Biblical principles, with references from the English Standard Version and reflections from broader religious understanding.
- What Jesus Christ says about children
Any Christian discussion on child protection must begin with Jesus Christ’s profound regard for children. In a cultural context where children had limited social value, Jesus redefined their importance.
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus declares, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Jesus not only welcomed children but also identified them as part of the kingdom of God. He went on to say, in Mark 9:37: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me and whoever receives me, receives not me but Him who sent me.”
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This equates the treatment of children with the treatment of God Himself. Harm against children is, therefore, a spiritual offence.
This is emphasised strongly in Matthew 18:6: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” This shows how valuable children are. Any form of abuse, exploitation or neglect, therefore, stands in direct contradiction to Christ’s teachings.
- Child discipline
Discipline is a necessary component of child upbringing, but the Bible does not endorse abusive or harmful punishment. Rather, it calls for discipline that is loving and corrective. A frequently cited verse is Proverbs 13:24: “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” This verse is often misunderstood as endorsing violent punishment. Biblical scholars even argue that “the rod” symbolised guidance and authority rather than violence. Shepherds used rods to guide and protect sheep, not to harm them. The New Testament clarifies this further in Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Thus, acceptable discipline in a Biblical understanding emphasises guidance and correction. In modern child protection terms, this aligns with non-violent parenting approaches that prioritise correction and guidance.
- Inheritance and the status of girls
Historically, inheritance systems favour males. However, the Bible contains transformative moments that advocate for girls’ inclusion. We find a good example in Numbers 27:6-7: “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them.’” The daughters successfully challenged discriminatory inheritance laws and God affirmed their claim. Therefore, equity and justice go beyond cultural norms.
Further, Galatians 3:28 proclaims: “…There is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” and Job 42:15 says: “…And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.” From a child protection perspective, denying girls inheritance or equal opportunities contributes to systemic vulnerability, including poverty, early marriage and exploitation. A Biblical lens thus supports equal inheritance rights and access to resources for females, too.
- Justice with mercy for child offenders
In the Old Testament, strict laws existed, but the broader Biblical narrative, especially through Jesus, emphasises mercy. Consider the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Though the son acted irresponsibly, he was welcomed back with forgiveness and restoration. In James 2:13, emphasis is on mercy: “For …mercy triumphs over judgement.” In Psalms 25:7, "Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions…” is a recognition that all youth commit wrongs. We also need to remember that children who offend are often themselves victims of systemic failures. A Biblical approach calls for justice systems that reflect compassion, guidance and second chances.
- Protecting children from domestic violence
Domestic violence is incompatible with Biblical teachings. Scripture consistently condemns violence and calls for love and respect within families. Psalm 11:5 states: “The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.”
Similarly, Ephesians 5:25 instructs: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Children who get exposed to domestic violence suffer profound physical, emotional and spiritual harm. Protecting them requires breaking cycles of abuse and ensuring accountability for perpetrators. In Isaiah 1:17, we are called to “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
- Child marriage is a violation
Marriage in scripture is portrayed as a covenant requiring understanding and commitment. Genesis 2:24 states that: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This union presupposes maturity and the ability to make informed decisions; conditions not met in child marriage. Marriage is thus not a union between a man and a girl, a woman and a boy or a boy and a girl.
Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 13:11 emphasises the distinction between childhood and adulthood: “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” This reinforces that children are not ready for adult responsibilities such as marriage. From a Biblical perspective, it undermines the dignity and well-being of the child, particularly girls. Protecting children from early marriage aligns with the broader scriptural call to the protection of the vulnerable.
Conclusion
Child protection is not merely a legal or social responsibility; it is a spiritual mandate. Key principles emerging from this biblical lens show that children are central to God’s kingdom and must be treated with love. To protect a child, therefore, is to honour God Himself.