What should we do if hurt emotionally? What should we do if hurt physically? What should we do if the hurt is unintentional? What should we do if the hurt is an intentional pattern of abuse?
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First off, are you a true believer? In which I mean has God worked the miracle of salvation in your life? If you are genuinely saved, then you have some responsibilities. If you are not genuinely saved, then most of what I say will fall on deaf ears. Any sort of abuse is wrong. It comes from a person who has been hurt themselves and these sorts of people lash out at others in order to make themselves feel better/more superior...etc. There is far too much in the world today that tells us that if we are hurt that we must divorce, or run away from it. This is our fleshly tendency...and it makes sense in a fleshly sense. It's called survival. BUT...we must understand as well, God being sovereign has a plan and purpose for each of us and usually (not always, but usually) we bloom where we are planted. We as believers in Christ are destined to receive trials and persecution for who we are. This is a given. If you are expecting "Your Best Life Now", then be warned what's waiting for you on the other side isn't heaven. Abuse can do one of two thing to us: It can cause us to become hostile, bitter, angry and resentful, or it can cause you to become loving, gentle, understanding and patient. In other words, are the troubles you are experiencing bringing out the fruit of the Spirit or are they bringing out the fruit of your wicked man? Love the person! Do good to those who hurt you. Speak love to the person when they tear you down. Do the opposite of what he/she is doing to you. If they hate you...love them. If they rip you down with words and actions, build them up in love and gentleness. If they give you the back of their hand, give them your embrace. Jesus taught us how to deal with our enemies and it's not easy. Being a Christian is not easy. Being in an abusive relationship is never easy. But remember you are being conformed into the image of Christ and the only way this can be accomplished is through much trial and tribulation. Embrace your circumstance, submit to God's plan and yes, if need be, get some good Christian help. Not the secular junk that has been relabeled 'Christian', but real biblical Christian counseling. Be an example and when that person strikes you, he will feel rotten about it, for it will be like he is striking Jesus Himself.
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