If you are a godly man, perhaps you struggle to identify, verbalize, and act on domestic abuse because of the onslaught against you personally. You are afraid. Hurt. Threatened. Confused. Welcome.
The Heart of Communication
Many times women and well-meaning individuals mention communication as the problem that hinders marriage. She is withdrawn instead of vulnerable. He communicates in anger or not at all. Communication is a symptom, not a root problem. Addressing broken patterns and outward fruit it does nothing more than teach someone to sin better or practice sin … Continue reading The Heart of Communication
Why You Don’t Know
It's common that individuals who come in regular contact with a woman experiencing domestic abuse don't know about it. She doesn't want you to. And you won't see it. Why?
How Do I Know?
Life is hard. Marriage takes work. So if a woman is miserable and thinks her life is normal, how would she know if something more is going on?
The Wisdom of Solomon
Jesus is all for saving souls. If one party has no concern for the life and safety of another, especially at cost to himself, you are likely dealing with a corpse. That is not a marriage problem, but a personal problem that requires evangelism and practical consequences/training.
God’s IQ Test
Faith in Jesus Christ makes us all sons of God. Not daughters and sons. Not children. Sons. Every individual who puts her faith in Christ has the standing of a son in God's kingdom.
Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain
Offering platitudes and reminders of God's sovereignty, goodness, and grace as a means of minimizing pain is one way we use the Lord's name in vain. How often do we wave the magic wand of Jesus' name to bring relief from suffering? Not relief for the individual in need as much as for ourselves?
When “I do” Replaces “in Christ”
There are those who preach, believe, and live as though a woman who is married must chose her husband over Jesus. In the sight of others, sadly, the church, her wedding ring strips her of her identity in Christ and the privilege of being Christ's sister. Instead being united with Christ as an instrument of … Continue reading When “I do” Replaces “in Christ”
One Flesh
A pastor once told me that he hates to see couples separate because separation leads to divorce. The basis of this claim rested on physical intimacy. How could a couple be one flesh if the husband is denied regular, physical intimacy--his "due" or "debt" (according to 1 Corinthians 7:3-5). I beg to differ. In cases … Continue reading One Flesh
An Ounce of Prevention
Some might say, "Be God's kind of woman and it won't happen to you" or otherwise infer that a woman is responsible for the words and behavior of her spouse. This is what I've learned (and what the Bible says):