God’s Word contains several Scriptures on the importance of protecting children. Jesus calls us to care for children and not send them away as insignificant. Children are valuable to Him! In many cultures around the world, children are often abused, neglected and discarded. They may be sold for profit into the sex industry or sold as slaves to work in horrible conditions.
Jesus has committed children into our arms of protection.
- See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. — Matthew 18:10
- A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. — Proverbs 13:22
- 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. — James 1:27
James describes “true religion” much differently than many people in our culture. He explains it as the act of “look[ing] after orphans and widows.” God has special concern for those most vulnerable, those who fall at the margins of society who are often exploited. God claims to be their protector and James instructs us to follow His example.
Deuteronomy 10:18 says that God “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.” James reiterates that truth in the verse above and shares that the responsibility to care for widows and orphans is ours as well.
It is a tremendous blessing to love, serve, and protect the most vulnerable in this world and share God’s love with them. He’s the greatest Protector of all.