Devotional - 99-10-24 - Passages About Domestic Violence

This week, a women's group in Atlanta put up posters about domestic violence in public places, and asked men to share their thoughts on the posters. Rather than compassion for the victims, the men wrote remarks like "I'm sure she deserved it," etc. Some people have even used the Bible to condone abuse of wives, and this must break our Savior's heart. Although the Bible doesn't speak directly about wife abuse, there are some principles that show our Lord's heart in this regard.

Eph 5:28-29 (NNAS) So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church.

Col 3:19 (NNAS) Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.

1 Pet 3:7 (NNAS) You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Eph 4:31-32 (NNAS) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

James 1:19-20 (NNAS) This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Jan

jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org