Devotions august 2024
Verbal abuse!
Often when we talk about domestic abuse we think of physical violence but in recent years we have started to understand and see a growing discussion about other types of abuse such as verbal abuse, which we often see can have just as detrimental effects.
Verbal abuse destroys respect, trust, admiration and intimacy that all are key ingredients in a healthy marriage and is in obvious contradiction to what the bible teaches us in Ephesians Paul says.
Ephesians 4:29-30 ESV Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
We all fall short at times and lashes out in anger or frustration saying hurtful words but the emotionally and spiritually mature person will come back to apologize and take steps not to repeat the behavior.
Verbal abuse on the other hand is systematic and ongoing in its expression to degrade and tare down the other, it is like a war where the bullets and grenades are in the shape of words aimed with deadly precision, in Psalm 64:3 David compares the tongues to swords and the words to deadly arrows, and the abuser will almost never apologize but instead justify their words and actions by pointing back to the victim blaming them.
If you are being verbally abused there is a way out, the bible gives us the plan for victory, regardless of the enemies lies and the heart of someone else they don't define you, God does!
If you are in a situation with verbal abuse, remember that you are bought at a price, don´t be deceived by the enemy to believe the lies spoken over you, the bible says you are-
blessed
redeemed
loved
restored
complete
and you are an heir to the Kingdom of God with Christ
Speak that reality out over yourself in daily thanksgiving to God.
And don't think you are alone, scripture commands us to be with each other in our struggles, so seek counsel and support.
Galatians 6:2 ESV
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
If you are in an abusive relationship of any kind. Or you just want to talk to someone then press the contact button and write us a message.
We are here for you!
Day 1; Verbal abuse comes from the heart
Matthew 15:18-19 ESV
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. for out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.
Have you ever wondered why some people just seem to always say hurtful things?
Day 2; The power of the tongue
Proverbs 12:18 ESV
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.'
In my service as a counseling pastor I have often been surprised by how powerful and long lasting words and their effects can be.
Day 3; Abusive houses
Proverbs 21:9 ESV
It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
Proverbs 21:19 ESV
It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
Many are those who can recognise the truth in these 2 verses as being the reality of their own lives.......
Day 4; Death or life
Proverbs 18:21 ESV
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Not every situation I meet in the pastoral care talks is one sided abuse........
Day 5; A deadly weapon
Proverbs 11:9 ESV
With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered
.
Imagine if every time we said “you idiot- I hate you- you are stupid” or other derogatory expressions people would fall over dead, just think how many people would you then have killed in your lifetime?
Day 6; Revenge or vengeance
Matthew 5:22 ESV
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
Matthew 12:36-37 ESV
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Christ didn't sugarcoat what is coming for the abusive ones but gave clear warnings that the judgment and punishment will be severe for them......
Day 7; “Flushed out”
Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
It felt like I was a piece of paper in the toilet when you flush..........
Day 8; God Brings Us Peace
Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
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