Preventing Abuse
What kinds of abuse is there?
Do you know anyone who has suffered from abuse? How did that make you feel?
Have you ever been betrayed by anyone?
Does anyone know someone that you’ve known since 6th grade, and still don’t know their name?
Have any of you been in a dangerous situation you feel you almost died in?
Is anyone still haunted by something that happened to them when they were younger?
Understand
* Jesus: was abused
* Eternal: Even when others fail us, Jesus will always stay with us
* Strength: Jesus is always present and gives us strength
* Unmoving: Jesus will always rescue us and gives us a promise
* Safe: David prayed for safety from evil. We can do the same.
Give it all to Jesus.
What does the bible tell us?
Jesus Himself experienced great abuse.
Isaiah 53:5–6
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Others may fail us, but God will always stand by us.
Psalm 37:39–40
The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him. (NLT)
God is always present; even when we feel alone, we can call on him.
Psalm 139:7–10
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. (NLT)
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Although we do not know when or how God will rescue us, we do know he will provide the strength we need.
Psalm 31:4–5
You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. (NASB)
David prayed for safety from evil men. We can do the same.
Psalm 69:13–18
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. Hide not your face from your servant; for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!
We must not allow past events to control our present life. When there is nothing we can do to correct the past, we must commit it to God’s future care.
Matthew 11:28–30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Comfort for the Abused
Our God who is sovereign over our past can help us today.
We can always talk to God about the problem.
Philippians 4:6–7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
God is our refuge, our strong protector.
Psalm 17:8–9
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me. (NLT)
Abuse is not acceptable (to God or people)
How Can We Stop Abuse Before It Happens?
As Christians, we believe that every person is made in God’s image and deserves to be treated with respect and kindness.
Learn to Have Healthy Relationships
It’s about respect and working together.
If I hit someone, am I respecting them?
Working Together:
The Bible says that both should put each other’s needs first and treat each other well (Ephesians 5:21). Healthy relationships are built on kindness, understanding, and mutual support.
An army in a battle:
* the commander leads strategy
* the scouts gather intelligence
* the medics care for the wounded
* the infantry engages the enemy
* the engineers build fortifications
each role working together to secure victory
Men are called to lead their families, but that leadership isn’t about being bossy or controlling. It’s about protecting, providing for, and guiding their families in a loving and respectful way. A husband should love his wife as Christ loves the church, which means leading with humility and care.
Self-Control
Galatians 5:22-23
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Abuse often comes from not controlling emotions like anger or frustration. It’s important to learn how to manage our feelings and respond to problems calmly and respectfully (James 1:19-20).
Men, especially, should handle their emotions in a godly way, so they can lead with peace and wisdom.
Help Those in Need
If someone is being abused, they need help. The church is a place where people can go for support, whether that’s through counseling or by being connected with resources that can provide help, such as a safe place to stay or legal assistance.
Offer support. The Church is a fantastic place to go.
In a Christian home and church, we want to reflect God’s love by treating each other with respect, kindness, and care. Men and women have different roles, but both are important in building healthy families and communities.
Abuse, in any form, is wrong, and we need to make sure that everyone is treated with dignity and love. By teaching what a healthy relationship looks like, helping people manage their emotions, and providing support when needed, we can create a safe place where abuse is not tolerated, and everyone is cared for.
Charles Mattson
Student Ministries Director
