Why are there millions of starving children in the world? Does God care?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Why are there so many starving children around the world? According to Compassion International, poverty is a root cause of childhood hunger. Poverty impacts children in all countries, rich or poor. Additionally, in countries affected by war and conflict, children are more than twice as likely to be malnourished. Inflation, drought and famine also cause food scarcity. Even in wealthy, developed countries the distribution of food and resources can be insufficient, overlooking some children. Social programs that provide food assistance are not always available, leaving many families to rely on charities and food banks. God guides His followers to share food with the poor and to care for their needs. Children are important to God. God invites us to respond to starving children with practical love and sharing the gospel.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Farmers were not supposed to harvest to the edge of a field but were to leave gleanings for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10).
• God said there will always be poor in the land, and we are to share with the poor and hungry (Deuteronomy 15:11).
• One who is generous will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor (Proverbs 22:9).
• One purpose of fasting is to share your food with the hungry and to help those in trouble (Isaiah 58:7, 10).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus taught that children are important to God (Matthew 19:14).
• Jesus reminds us that we will always have the poor with us. We can share food with hungry children and also share the gospel with them (Mark 14:7). Christian missionaries all over the world are helping families with their basic needs while teaching them God’s Word.
• No one was in need in the early church. They shared all their resources and distributed freely (Acts 4:32-37).
• Meeting the needs of the poor is among the indicators of faithful obedience to Jesus (James 2:14-17).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Relief organizations and government agencies agree that there are enough food resources available in the world to feed everyone. So why are children starving? The distribution of those resources is inadequate due to human greed, corrupt governments, foolishness, inefficiency, bad strategy, and improper infrastructure. We cannot blame God for the problems that we cause.

God’s love extends to starving children, and He may be leading you to love them as well, since we are His hands and feet in this world (James 2:15-17). Love is an action verb, and we should not turn a blind eye. Here are some actions you can take to help feed hungry children.

First, make sure the physical needs of your own family and neighbors are met. Then, your local church can help feed hungry children through a food pantry or community food bank. Food banks always need donations and volunteers. Worldwide, there are worthwhile Christian agencies working to feed hungry children, including Compassion International, World Vision, Feed the Hungry, World Help, and Samaritan’s Purse. These agencies welcome new partners.

UNDERSTAND

• Millions of children suffer from hunger primarily due to poverty, war, disasters, and uneven food distribution, not because God is indifferent.
• The Bible shows that God cares deeply about the poor and hungry.
• God commands His followers to share food and show compassion as an expression of faith and obedience.

REFLECT

• How do you personally respond when you hear about millions of children suffering from hunger around the world?
• How are you currently living out God’s call to share with and care for the poor and hungry in your community?
• What might God be leading you to do differently to help address hunger and show practical compassion to those in need?

ENGAGE

• How can we as believers better reflect God’s heart by actively meeting the physical and spiritual needs of starving children?
• What are some barriers—personal, cultural, or systemic—that keep us from responding more fully to God’s call to care for the poor?
• How can sharing the gospel and providing food aid work together to bring lasting hope to hungry children and their families?