Memory Verse
“The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth." Psalm 11:5
BIBLE PASSAGE: Malachi 2:16-17, 1 Peter 3:7-12
INTRODUCTION
Marital abuse, whether or not it involves physical violence, is a one-sided oppressive relationship where one spouse uses unacceptable methods to maintain unhealthy control in the home. Domestic abuse affects people of all races, age, gender or background. Sadly, it is an evil that now manifests in Christian homes and the church of God. Zephaniah 1:9 says, "In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit." Abuse in its different manifestations is the most destructive tool that can be used by anyone against another person. Let us examine what the scripture says about DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ORMARITALABUSE.
OUTLINES
1. PHYSICAL ABUSE
2. VERBAL ABUSE
3. THE BIBLE CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AND DOMESTIC ABUSE
PHYSICAL ABUSE
Physical abuse is physical torturing of a spouse's body in order to subdue and control the partner. Assault or physical abuse is the most obvious form of domestic violence and also the most lethal. It is animalistic, physically damaging and emotionally traumatising - Jer. 22: 3, Malachi 2:16-17, Isaiah 58:3-4.
Physical abuse can include the following:
- slapping, kicking, shoving, and choking.
- pinching, forced feeding, pulling hair.
- punching, throwing things, burning (e.g. with a cigarette).
- beating, strangling, use of weapons (gun, knives, or any object).
- physical restraint, pinning against wall, floor, bed, etc. reckless driving, etc.
Assaults often start small, maybe a small shove during an argument, or forcefully grabbing your wrist, but over time, physical abuse (or battering) usually becomes more severe and more frequent and can result in the death of the victim.
VERBAL ABUSE
Verbal abuse is using spoken and written words that damage or injure people's feelings, erode their self-esteem and can fill them with fear and uncertainty, as well as hatred - Gen. 30: 1-2; Eph. 4: 29,31
i. Constant criticism ii. Degrading remarks iii. Lies and Deception Matthew 5:37 iv. Name calling v. Accusations vi. Threats vii. Railings and harassments viii. Abusive words or cursing – Prov. 4:24; Col. 3:8; James 1:26; 1 Peter.2:1.
Verbal abuse like threats to hit or kill the other person, to leave, or take the children away, or withdraw financial support would result into an emotional trauma. It causes the other partner to live in fear.
THE BIBLE CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AND DOMESTIC ABUSE
a. God hates strikers. The servant of the Lord must not strife - 2 Tim. 2:22; Isa. 58:3-4; Jer. 22:3, Mal. 2:16-17; Psalm 11:5; Zeph. 1:9; Eph. 4:31; Psalm 37: 9; James 3:14-16
- Requirement for leadership - 1 Timothy 3:1-4, Titus 1:7.
- Words spoken can be a form of violence - Ephesians 4:29; James 1:19, 20; Proverbs 10:6, 11; James 3:10; Eph. 5:3-5; Matthew 5:21, 22.
CONCLUSION
Abuse in its different manifestations is the most destructive tool that can be used by anyone against another person. Most sadly, all these types of abuses deeply scar the emotions of a .person and usually greatly alter their perception and their ability to live life to its fullest. However, there is hope in Jesus. He has come to heal the broken-hearted.
Psalms 72: 14. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
QUESTIONS
1. Mention five types of abuses in the home.
2. What should you do if you are being abused by your spouse?
3. What can an abuser do to stop abusive attitudes?
4. What should the church do?
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: James 3:10 –A child of God guides his tongue.
TUESDAY: Psalm 37:9 - Marital abuse is evil. Refuse to be cut off by God.
WEDNESDAY: Matthew 5:21 - Marital abuse could lead to murder. Avoid it.
THURSDAY: Malachi 2:16 - You must avoid marital abuse because it is treachery.
FRIDAY: 2 Timothy 2:22 - The heart is the centre of marital abuse, watch it.
SATURDAY: Ephesians 4:29 - God commands against verbal abuse
SUNDAY: 1 Peter 2:1 - Getting out of violent abuse requires your efforts.
