Domestic Violence - Scriptural Applications #3

Today we will muse over a few final Scriptural Applications - I encourage you to search and develop other passages dealing with this issue.

Safety for the abused is a priority and is a validated concern of those who are aware of the issues. The writer of Proverbs 27:12 said - "A sensible person sees danger and takes cover; the inexperienced keep going and are punished." It is ALWAYS a reasonable action to remove the victim(s) from the abuser to a place of safety. A counselor should never instruct a person to return and place herself under subjection to one who is abusing them or their family.

Many times an outside authority is needed to intervene for the victim(s). If the abuser is a member of a local church, they should follow Matthew 18: 15 - 17. It should then become a responsibility of the Church leaders to respond in a timely and competent manner to the issue.

Finally, it is imperative that abusers experience the consequences of their actions. They should not be protected for their sinful behavior. God tells us in Galatians 6:7 that we reap what we sow. God has placed civil and religious authorities in place to protect victims of abuse (Acts 22: 24 - 29). A person with violent tendencies will continue as long as they get away with it. The writer of Proverbs stated in 19:19 - "A person with great anger bears the penalty; if you rescue him, you’ll have to do it again."

Finally, consider that Moses reacted in anger when he struck the rock twice and it cost him - Numbers 20:10 - 12. Listen to what God told him in verse 12 - "But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.”

Over the last week we have looked at a hard and very unpleasant situation - Domestic Violence. It has grown in our country and is evident from celebrities to the homeless. It is something that all believers should be aware of, pray over, and seek to be voices to end the suffering of the many silent victims of this sinful behavior.