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Does Forgiveness Mean Accepting Abuse?
Here are some reasons why Christian forgiveness does not excuse harmful behavior and why it is OK to walk away from abusive relationships.
Years ago, I heard a TV evangelist preach about being patient and enduring through trials. He used the example of a woman who was verbally abused by her husband. The preacher praised the woman’s ability to be patient, longsuffering, and endure the pain.
Unfortunately, some in Christian circles believe that continuing in abusive relationships is a virtue. For example, some church leaders guilt victims of domestic violence to stay in abusive relationships. Women are told to submit to their husbands as if mistreatment was the women’s fault. Women are told that if they get dinner on time and are submissive, they will not be abused.
As a former victim of verbal and physical abuse, I feel angry when I hear about situations like this. So, it is a virtue to choose to endure degradation, hurtful words, and other types of mistreatment?
Does Forgiveness Mean We Should Endure Abuse?
No. Abuse of any kind, exploitation, theft, and other harmful behaviors are morally wrong and criminal. No one has the right to manipulate and hurt us. Perpetrators must be held accountable for what they say and do. Forgiveness does not absolve…
