Domestic Violence is NOT Abundant Life

Notes from the Pastor…

Jesus said, “I came that [you] may have life, and have it abundantly.”  However, there are lots of people in our community who do not have abundant life.  I am  not talking about the unsaved, the heathen, or the lost; rather, I am talking about victims of domestic violence.  Whether men, women, or children, abiding in a
home of abuse is not living; suffering domestic violence is the antipode of abundant life.

Domestic violence is emotional, financial, mental, physical, and/or sexual abuse, stemming from one person’s need to control another in order to feel powerful. When the dominating individual loses power, either perceived or real, in other parts of life, the intimate partner suffers the repercussions of the abuser’s psychological issues. (As defined by Mission Granbury).

The facts are astounding (provided by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence):
• One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
• 30% to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household.
• Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.
• In 70-80% of intimate partner homicides, no matter which partner was killed, the woman was physically abused before the murder.

Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  In the United States, New Mexico ranks second in this unholy matter, and in New Mexico, Lincoln County ranks first.  The chances are, you either know someone currently being abused or someone who was a victim of abuse in their past.

Either way, be Christ to your family, friends, and neighbors  – proclaim a reality where domestic violence is no more, provide a safe place for victims and an alternative for the abuser, and become aware of this tragic trend.


May the Church promote life, and life more abundant!

Grace,
Pastor Ryan