“I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.”
Psalm 34:4
Abuse exists in a variety of forms, from physical to verbal abuse, along with the in-between. Simply stated, physical abuse takes place in person and involves actual contact with the victim’s body. The actions can range from frequent beatings to even one unwelcome touch. Verbal abuse is non-physical but bruises its victims with the same impact as a fierce blow to the body. Depending upon the circumstances and the person afflicted, the time to recover from verbal abuse far exceeds the time from injury as a result of physical abuse. Although emotional abuse falls in the spectrum between physical and verbal abuse on its own, we can agree that emotional abuse is a byproduct of both. There’s no justification for any abuse, although multiple reasons have been determined why it occurs.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them”.
Romans 12:14
It’s difficult to forgive those who harm us or those we love for minor violations, whereas abuse supersedes the intent and effects of these offenses. Yet Romans 12:14 instructs us to desire God’s blessings for those who are guilty of abuse, as well as refrain from speaking negatively about them. Given the circumstance, I’ll venture to state it is nearly impossible in our own strength but only possible through the empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit. Bless God who helps us to do those things which are pleasing in His sight. God’s Word commands us to forgive because the alternative, revenge, removes us from the path that leads to God.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,
for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:17-19 ESV
As believers in Jesus Christ, revenge should never be our response to abuse. The scriptures teach us to be pursuers of goodness, and our actions bear witness to our pursuit. When possible, we are encouraged to take the high road and not go down the low road travelled by those who live in offense to the things of God. As we spend time in God’s presence, he fortifies the most broken of us to trust Him beyond a shadow of a doubt to repay any wrong we have suffered. The choice to submit to the inner working of the Holy Spirit helps to bless and refrain from seeking revenge. Being vengeful gets in the way of God executing the just penalty.
May the pain inflicted on us by others always drive us to the feet of God, who heals all our wounds, along with avenging the wrong._ASA.
Chronicles of ASA 