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of Seventh-day Adventists
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Abuse

Abuse can take a number of forms—physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, etc. But any form of abuse is opposed to the ruling principle of God’s kingdom—unselfish love. An abusive person does not know love and does not know God. It’s in the Bible, 1 John 4:7, 8, NKJV. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

The Bible forbids physical or verbal spouse abuse. It’s in the Bible, Colossians 3:19, NIV. “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”

Persons given to verbal abuse reveal their true selves in their words. It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 13:3, NIV. “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”

Violence is a characteristic of the unfaithful. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 13:2, NKJV. "A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence"

We are not to admire violent persons or pattern our lives after them. It's in the Bible, Proverbs 3:31, NIV. "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways."

God forbids incest—one form of sexual abuse. It’s in the Bible, Leviticus 18:6, NIV. “No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations.”

Victims of abuse often feel guilty as if they have done something to provoke their abuser or that they somehow deserve the abuse they receive. Abusers are often skillful at making their victims feel responsible. But no one deserves to be abused by another, and abusers are responsible for their own choices and actions.

The Bible offers comfort—not guilt—for the victims of abuse. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 91:1-16, NKJV.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. with long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”

 

Eventually abusers will get their due. It's in the Bible, Romans 12:19, NKJV. "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord."

With God’s protection and blessing, we are safe and can sleep without fear. It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 3:24-26, NKJV. "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught"

Jesus came to the world for abused victims. It's in the Bible, Isaiah 61:1, NKJV. "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound"

You are not all alone. It's in the Bible, Hebrews 13:5, NKJV. "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

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