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NASB | Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love [to have] it so! But what will you do when the end comes? |
Bible Question:
I have a question or rather a comment concerning domestic violence that I would like to hear others perspective on. My husband was an evangelical minister in the church. Our entire family, including our six children, were heavily involved in ministry. Two years ago, I left my husband and moved to another state almost 500 miles away because he became more and more violent. He was psychologically, emotionally, mentally and even sometimes physically abusive to me and the children. He was also sexually abusive to me. When I went to my pastor about the issue, I was made to feel as if it were my fault. Sadly, most women in communities of faith are made to feel this way, thus they stay in abusive marriages. I thank God for his power of deliverance through His word. It was only through the Holy Spirit's revelation of the word that I learned that my Father in heaven did not condone my husband's behavior or the church's turning a deaf ear to my cries and the cries of my children. I have forgiven my husband, my pastor, and all those who kept silent. My question is this: The Bible speaks very clearly about domestic violence, yet communities of faith still treat women as if they are cursed. When will the body of Christ wake up and realize that the curse Eve (woman) was cursed with in Genesis, was removed at the cross? Why do we continue to teach women to be "submissive" under any and every circumstance and yet not teach men that submission, as Ephesians speaks about it, is a two-way street. Biblical submission is not just commanded of women, but of men also. Sumbission is also not synonymous with subservience and dominance. One submits out of love and respect. It is not submission if it is forced. There are many women sitting in churches today condemned to die with plastered on smiles and spirits that have been destroyed. What is the church going to say, what is the body of Christ going to do about the issues of domestic violence that are running rampid and largely unchecked in communities of "faith". |
Bible Answer: Greetings - I am saddened by your experience yet rejoice with you for the healing of your spirit that has taken place. Your question about physical abuse within the community of faith is indeed serious, yet it stems from a larger issue - spiritual abuse. Thankfully, we have civil laws that we can turn to for protection and NO WOMAN should feel that this is NOT an option for her because God has established ALL authority! (Rom 13:1) Paul speaks about the authority we SHOULD find in the church,(2 Cor13:10) authority that is given by the Lord BUILDS up. However, in many churches today, this is not the case. (Jer 5:31) Bottom line is this, until the church deals with the abuse of their spiritual authority, situations like this will remain and possibly flourish. You took a stand and relied upon God - now as you look at the scars left by the past, what do you see, the wounding or the healing? I encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2) - He will be your encouragement and will direct you in the way you should go. Do get a copy ot this book: "The Subtle Power of Spirtual Abuse" by Johnson and Vanvonderen May God bless you as you cling to and depend upon Him, mommapbs |