Don't allow yourself to be abused

Often when we think abuse, we ascribe it to marriage.

However, there are many forms of abuse and we must not fall victims to perpetrators

The underlying principle is that God has given us everything that relates to godliness. His plans for us are good, not evil and so no one has the right to take away our right to this gift.

Watch out for the following forms of abuses:

Economic abuse: This is where those who controls finances seek to make others dependent on them. Even a church can control finances. Many seed-planting churches are merely reaping where they have not sown, especially where the faithful fund the extravagant lifestyle of their religious leaders.

In a marriage, a husband can bar the wife from working due to insecurity; or refuse to include the spouse in making financial decisions.

Sexual abuse: Most rapes occur in familiar settings . . . some girls have been sexually abused by relatives but they keep quiet for fear of reprisals.

Those wives who are forced to have sex against their will are victims of abuse. When a man refuses to use condoms or forces his partner not to use contraceptives, he is abusing her.

No to Abuse

Verbal abuse: Harsh words can make others feel abused, particularly children. 

The problem with verbal abuse is that it takes away someone’s dignity, especially when the vilification is in a public forum.

Emotional abuse: This is common in marriages and schools. A spouse’s verbal abuse may ultimately trigger emotional abuse. Often it involves undermining others to make them feel inferior.

Academic abuse: Insecure people may feel threatened if others climb up the academic ladder, so they may try to curtail or derail academic achievements.

There many examples.  For instance, bullies may force smaller students to do their assignments, while some lecturers may seek sexual favours from students.

I have good news for you; you were wonderfully created so arise and feel beautiful, smart and useful.

You matter to God who considers you a masterpiece He created.   Stand up and say No to abuse.