Physical Abuse

Biblical Position

Several Old and New Testament words are translated violence. Some words refer primarily to robbery (Isaiah 10:1&2) and oppression (Jeremiah 22:17) [this includes wrongs of a violent nature], cruelty (Ezekiel 34:4) and injustice (Jeremiah 22:13). The Scriptures also cite an example of sadistic entertainment (2 Samuel 2:12-16). Violence has been a chronic evil in a godless society from man’s earliest history (see Genesis 6:5,11,13; Ezekiel 8:17; Habakkuk 1:3). The Bible definitively states that God hates violence (Psalm 11:5).

The New Testament clearly emphasizes the antidote for violence. Jesus called for meekness and mercy (Matthew 5:5,7). He often reiterated the principles that guide loving relationships within the human family. The scriptures require kindness humility and non-retaliation (Romans 12:10,14). The list of the Spirit’s fruit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22, 23) — is a classic example of the New Testament’s challenge to renounce violence and abuse of every kind. Abusive speech and hateful attitudes among God’s people have no place in any local church setting (Colossians 3:12-15). Even domestic abuse may be averted by following the injunctions directed to wives, husbands, parents and children (Colossians 3:18-21).

Societal Considerations

Violence [including physical abuse] has become the way of life for many in our Western Society. Abuse, generally, includes one or more of the following: verbal, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. These leave the victims deeply wounded and scarred. Family violence inflicts physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual injury. This often results in social isolation and a misconception of God’s loving purposes toward all people.

Society’s abnormal appetite for violence in the entertainment sector is a matter of public record:

• Violence of all kinds has become the standard fare on TV menus offered nightly to the entire family. Viewers can easily conclude that the only way to get what “I want” and to have “My way” is through abusive and violent behaviour.
  
• The grim face of violence is also seen in the daily news aired during prime viewing time.

Physical abuse is one way through which many gain the power to control others or to have some imaginary psychological need met. Some use violence as their way of dealing with stress. This is particularly true in the area of domestic violence. All of this has reduced our society to a level of utter selfishness with little compassion.

Fellowship Conclusions         

We believe God established guidelines for each dimension of our lives, including marriage and family relationships. We affirm and celebrate loving, nurturing heterosexual marriages and the responsibility of parents to maintain family discipline within the guidelines of the Word of God (Proverbs 13:24, Hebrews 12:11, Eph. 6:4). Consequently we believe that physical abuse, which generally is domestic violence, is a demonstration of selfish aggression. It is a sinful act.

It is crucial that our Fellowship preach and practice the admonitions given in Colossians 3:12-15 and other related passages. Furthermore, we must clearly re-emphasize the character-requirements for our church leaders (pastors, elders, deacons) listed in Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13. Scripture leaves no room for abusive behavior in our homes, communities and church families.

Individual and Corporate Responsibility

We need to acknowledge the reality of abuse and denounce it. Pastors, leaders and other care givers should:

• Seek to acquaint themselves with the issues of abuse, its nature and symptoms.
• Determine what appropriate responses to take.
• Acquaint themselves with the legal requirements concerning the reporting of abuse to the appropriate authorities.
• Consider what part they should have in supporting facilities which serve victims of abuse.

Our churches should take steps to offer a healing environment for both the abusers and the abused.

We must defend our biblical basis for maintaining the Judeo- Christian traditions upon which sound family values are built.

Finally, all of us need to be spiritually alert to keep ourselves above reproach in speech, attitudes and actions.