What Does The Bible Say About Domestic Violence?
In discussing domestic violence here, we will focus our attention on violence directed toward women, even though there are men who also face this tragedy."In the beginning", in the book of Genesis, we find that God created woman equal to man, but with a different role. Some feel this was actually the first "marriage" on earth.
Genesis 2:34 -
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (KJV)
The Bible teaches husbands to love their wives
1 Peter 3:7 -
"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered." (KJV)Ephesians 5:25 -
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" (KJV)Colossians 3:19 -
"Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them." (KJV)Ephesians 5:28-29 -
"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:" (KJV)
The Bible tells us how we should deal with an abusive partner
2 Timothy 3:1-8 -
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. ... (ESV)
The Bible gives punishment for those who abuse their wives
Galatians 5:19-21 -
"Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (HCSB)
Domestic violence is not normal
Domestic violence occurs in many homes across this land and does not only happen to those who are poor. It occurs in all walks of life.
If you are in a violent or abusive relationship, talk to your friends and family about it because they care about you. The violence is not your fault and you will not change your abuser no matter how hard you try.
Note: (KJV)-King James Version, (ESV)-English Standard Version, (HCSB)-Holman Christian Study Bible
Also see: Domestic Violence-A National Epidemic
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