HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 19
page A17
• 2 C H R O NI C L E S 3 3 :6 , 1 3 | Manasseh also sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the valley
of the Ben-Hinnom. . . . when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his
request.
Manasseh was the most wicked king in Judah’s history, abusive to the point that he burned
his own sons on an altar. But later in life he sought God’s forgiveness, and God did forgive
him, transforming him into a man who did great things for his nation.
Is physical discipline of my child considered abuse?
• PR O VE R B S 2 9 :1 5 , 1 7 | To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced
by an undisciplined child. Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind.
(See note on page 584.)
• PR O VE R B S 1 3 :2 4 | Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who
love their children care enough to discipline them.
The Bible clearly advocates discipline of children, even physical discipline. But it must
be measured and done with restraint and in love, in a manner that in never borders on
abuse or physical harm. “Discipline” that comes from anger can often lead to abuse and
violence.
What is the best way to prevent abuse?
How do I begin to heal the wounds of abuse?
• MAT T H E W 1 5 :3 0 | And [Jesus] healed them all. (See note on page 877.)
Only Jesus can truly heal broken lives.
• PR O VE R B S 1 1 :1 4 | Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many
advisers.
• PR O VE R B S 2 0 :1 8 | Plans succeed through good counsel.
Seek help from godly counselors.
• MAT T H E W 5 :4 4 | “Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Forgiveness means praying for those who hate and hurt you. This releases you from the
destructive emotions of anger, bitterness, and revenge.
• E PH E SI A NS 4 :3 1 | Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words.
An unforgiving attitude not only ruins your relationships, but it also poisons your soul. The
person most hurt by unforgiveness is you.
• R O MA NS 1 2 :1 9 | Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of
God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
Punishing evildoers is God’s job, not yours, and God can be trusted to administer justice.
Therefore you can remove yourself from the endless cycle of revenge and retaliation by
forgiving.
• PH I L I PP I A NS 4 :8 | Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure,
and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
As we fill our minds with thoughts about God, there is less room, and less time, to dwell
on the past.
PROMISES FROM GOD
• PSA L M 9 :1 2 | He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.
• PSA L M 2 3 :4 | Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are
close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
HelpFinder
Love restrains us from abusing a loved one—physically or in any other way. This is not a
roller-coaster love based on feelings, but a rock-solid commitment to protect and nurture
regardless of the way you feel at a particular moment. Violence or abuse against a loved
one is a clear signal that our love for that person is not genuine.
A
• R O MA NS 1 3 :1 0 | Love does no wrong to others. (See note on page 1024.)