The Faith of the Children

Jesus has very harsh words for those who wound, hurt, or stumble children. It’s a kind of crime Jesus considers worthy of the punishment of being “thrown into the ocean.”

The Lord said, “… whoever causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18: 6). The Living Bible uses the phrase “any who causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose his faith” to refer to those who cause a child’s faith to be wronged.

Melissa was convinced that her mother is bad because this was what she learned from her father. Melissa’s Dad told her lies and derogatory remarks about her Mom that she later found out her Dad was using to cover up his own adultery or marital unfaithfulness. The ironic part about this is that Melissa’s father claims to be Christian. In reaction, Melissa decided to move away from following the Lord.

Hurting a child’s faith is sin. Understanding Jesus’ words, the accountability before God is so great for doing things at the expense of the faith and well-being of children.