If you are being hurt or threatened, please hear this first. You do not deserve it, it is not your fault, and God does not want you in danger. If you are unsafe right now, call 911. You can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline any time at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential help. Your safety matters, and so do you.
The short answer
The Bible condemns abuse and violence as sin. God cares deeply about the oppressed and never asks anyone to remain in danger. If you are being harmed, seeking safety is right and wise. Please reach out for help, to 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. God sees you, and His heart is with the hurting.
God hates violence and abuse
The Bible is clear that God is against those who use their strength to harm others. He does not overlook cruelty.
"The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth."Psalm 11:5
Anyone who claims to love God while mistreating others is deceiving themselves, according to Scripture.
"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"1 John 4:20
God sees you and cares
You are not invisible to God. He is the one who sees the mistreated and hears the cry of the afflicted.
"And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?"Genesis 16:13
God is a refuge and defender for those who are oppressed and in trouble.
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."Psalm 9:9
Seeking safety is right and wise
Getting to safety is not a failure of faith. The Bible shows wise people removing themselves from danger.
"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."Proverbs 22:3
God is close to those who are crushed, and He wants to bring rescue and healing, not more harm.
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."Psalm 147:3
A common misunderstanding
Some have been told that faith means staying in an abusive situation, or that God wants them to simply endure the harm quietly. That is not what the Bible teaches. Marriage is meant to reflect Christ's sacrificial love, never control or cruelty. God does not command anyone to submit to abuse. He hates violence and loves the oppressed. Enduring mistreatment in silence is not honoring God, and getting to safety is not sin. It is often the wise and godly thing to do. The abuse is the abuser's sin and responsibility, not yours.
You are welcome to talk with us
If you are in danger, please call 911, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. When you are safe, our church family in Greenwood is here to support you, believe you, and help you find the next steps. You are not alone, and none of this is your fault. Please reach out any time, or come and visit us this Sunday.