Spousal Abuse: A Starting Point to Think Biblically
Last week Leslie Vernick spoke to the marriage class on spousal abuse. I invite Leslie to do this every year because spousal abuse is more common within the church than you might think and we can all use as much help as we can get learning how to respond wisely to abuse situations.
You married someone you trusted, and now you are facing unpredictable anger or outright physical abuse. This is betrayal at its worst. Most likely you are numb, scared, confused, and paralyzed. How do you take a step when you are so afraid?
Edward T. Welch shares how hope and change come from knowing the God who hears you and promises to deliver you. He has the power to fill you with his love--a love that is patient, kind, and says no to injustice. As you are guided by God's love, you will have the courage to take the practical steps outlined in this booklet.
Even Christian families can be caught up in a web of conflict and confrontation that is often secret, leading to physical violence. We will consider pastoral responses to domestic violence, including common conceptualizations; a biblical theology of suffering; and strategies inside and outside the church to intervene.
Living with an angry spouse can feel like living in a war zone. Although you can feel isolated, even from God, the God who cares speaks into these hard situations.