The problem of hunger is real in our world today, and many children suffer from malnutrition. It’s a common accusation that God, if He exists and cares, seems indifferent to this suffering. However, this perspective overlooks key truths.

Yes, the Bible teaches us that God is love, and Jesus Himself taught us that children are essential to God (Matthew 18:10). This divine love is not just a passive feeling but is actively demonstrated throughout the Bible, where God consistently seeks the wellbeing of His creation, especially the most vulnerable.

Yet, the reality of child hunger presents a stark contradiction that challenges our understanding of God’s nature.

So what went wrong? Why is there a contradiction between God’s love for children and the fact that there is a real-world problem?

According to global statistics, the issue of hunger is not due to a lack of food. In fact, relief organizations and government agencies report that there is enough food produced worldwide to feed every person.

The problem is not the availability of food, but rather the accessibility to food. The fault does not lie with God, as there is enough food for everyone, but with man’s corrupt nature. Societal issues such as unfair food distribution, economic inequalities, and political strife play significant roles in this accessibility problem.

God has appointed us as trustworthy stewards of the world’s resources. Yet, as individuals, we often accumulate food or mismanage resources instead of seeing that others are fed or provided for. Our role as stewards involves not only responsible management of resources but also active efforts to ensure justice and provision for all, especially the impoverished and hungry.

God is not responsible for man’s foolishness, nor is He accountable for selfishness, greed, pride, hatred, hoarding, cruelty, spite, or any other sin that contributes to world hunger. These human failings, stemming from sin, are the primary barriers to eradicating world hunger and are contrary to God’s design for human society.

The scriptures also rightly emphasis that there is no unrighteousness in God:

Psalm 92:15 (NKJV)

To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

This affirmation of God’s righteousness calls us, as His followers, to reflect His character in our actions and decisions, particularly in how we address the needs of the hungry and suffering.

The fact that God cares for the children is also proven by the fact that He sent His only Son to redeem us from the curse of sin. And He goes further by prompting the followers of Christ to help relieve world hunger. Globally, Christian missionaries and agencies provide for the basic needs of hungry children, acting as God’s hands and feet;

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

This scripture not only affirms our identity in Christ but also our calling to engage in good works, such as feeding the hungry and supporting those in need.

As Christians, we should not shy away from the issue of world hunger. Instead, we should rise to the challenge, using our resources, influence, and efforts to make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from hunger. In doing so, we become a living testament to the love and compassion of Christ, offering hope and practical help in a fallen world.