Last Saturday I attended a domestic violence awareness program and luncheon given at the beautiful Seeds of Greatness Church in New Castle, Delaware. The program featured speakers who were survivors of domestic violence who shared their stories. Important statistical details were given and the program ended with a personal testimony and the music ministry of Nicole C. Mullen Gospel Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, Dove award winner, and domestic violence survivor.
October is domestic violence awareness month. While violence of any kind is unacceptable, it is especially displeasing to God when we knowingly and in some cases premeditatedly bring harm to others. As Christians we are called to behave in “Christ-like” fashion toward one another. Matthew 22:39 and Luke 6:31 speak about how we are to treat others and states: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” and “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
If God has laid out in His Word how we are to behave, then how can a person justify physically or emotionally abusing another person? The answer is simple, you can’t.
If you know of someone who you suspect is being physically or emotionally abused by a spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, date, relative, etc. reach out to the person and offer assistance. It might be a ride to a hospital or “safe” facility like a shelter or it could be something as simply praying for the person and giving them a phone number to call (see resources/phone numbers listed below).
(In Philadelphia: W.I.T. Women in Transition LifeLine at 215-751-1111, W.O.A.R. Women Organized Against Rape 24-hr. Hotline: 215-985-3333, In Delaware: Delaware Coalition Against domestic Violence 302-658-2958, Child, Inc. Domestic Violence Hotline 302-762-6110, In New Jersey: NJCEDV New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence, in New York: NYSCADV New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906), In Maryland: Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (Statewide Helpline: 1-800-MD-HELPS (Phone) 301-429-3601, and Washington, DC: DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (My Sister’s Place 24 hr. Hotline 202-529-5991), (National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and DC Rape Crisis Center Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).-985-333 Hour Hotline: 215-985-3333.
I am in no way suggesting that you put yourself in harm’s way and address/confront the potential abuser. Leave that to the professionals who are trained to help in these matters. However, any help that you give might just save a life and lead a soul to Christ.
Blessings