Liz Johnson – Living Free

Some victims of domestic violence stay in abusive relationships because of their strong religious convictions. These victims are often torn between their religious beliefs and their safety. Many victims of domestic violence turn first to their religious leaders for guidance and direction. The instructions of these religious leaders are often given from an incomplete theological perspective rather than a safety perspective.

Ephesians 5:21-33 is often used as the theology for “godly submission.” This is a beautiful passage requiring mutual submission by a man and a woman who love the Lord and have made a commitment before God to love one another. Very often this passage is misinterpreted causing victims to remain in abusive relationships and giving permission to the abuser to use power and control through spiritual misinterpretation. Surely God did not intend for His teachings to be used to sanction domestic violence. So neither should any of our applications of His teachings.

Malachi 2:16, which states “God hates divorce”, has often been used in spiritual counseling for many years.

When we study Malachi 2:13-16 we should understand this in a totally different perspective. God was actually rebuking husbands in this passage. Malachi 2:16 does state ” ‘I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel.” However, the rest of the verse states, ” ‘and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment’ says the Lord Almighty.” At the very least, we cannot hold victims accountable and fail to hold abusers accountable to God’s Word. Even further, we should investigate God’s word more thoroughly to determine if God gives some release to spouses of domestic abusers. Those victims who go to spiritual leaders for counseling deserve this much from them – a full and accurate counsel from God’s Word.

Victims of domestic violence are in our Christian community. They need the voice of the church. The church can no longer be committed to keeping the families together at any cost. The price is too high.

Let us reflect on Jesus and the cross and what His death did for us all. So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed. John 8:36

JESUS PAID IT ALL.

Living Free Ministries

Liz Johnson

P. O. Box 2815

Reserve, LA 70084

(985) 652 – 9938