Administrators Gail Posted March 26, 2016 Administrators Posted March 26, 2016 Reflecting on Jesus' experience on Calvary today evoked a more personal question: How well do you handle abuse? Do you fight back? Endure it? Try to escape? I think that all of us are victim to abuse at one time or another, something that another person inflicts upon us that causes us suffering. Joel Melashenko 1 Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Moderators Gerr Posted March 26, 2016 Moderators Posted March 26, 2016 I don't handle ridicule, being laughed at, or being blamed for something I didn't do very well. Years ago, I was driving on a side road by the freeway to my office when two what looked like teenagers started driving on my side of the road from the opposite direction and then swerved at the last second. I saw they were laughing at me. I was so furious that I turned around and started chasing them. Fortunately, they disappeared in a nearby neighborhood. No telling what I would have done had I caught up with them! GayatfootofCross and rudywoofs (Pam) 2 Quote
Administrators Gail Posted March 27, 2016 Author Administrators Posted March 27, 2016 Yet Jesus did it; He suffered humiliation as they removed His clothes. His tormentors spat on him, they covered His face and then hit him on the head. They slapped His face. They spoke demeaning insults. He who had such a tender heart for he abused said nothing in His defence. I suppose that the thought that this was His purpose was a comfort, but no comfort was to come from His friends or followers. Boggling. phkrause and GayatfootofCross 2 Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
LifeHiscost Posted March 27, 2016 Posted March 27, 2016 What does Christ's resurrection mean for you? "I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. I believe in God even when He is silent." - Anonymous God is Love!~Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Administrators Gail Posted March 27, 2016 Author Administrators Posted March 27, 2016 This is actually better in its own thread... 27 minutes ago, LifeHiscost said: What does Christ's resurrection mean for you? "I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. I believe in God even when He is silent." - Anonymous God is Love!~Jesus saves! GayatfootofCross 1 Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted March 27, 2016 Members Posted March 27, 2016 I used to be very "meek and mild" when abuse came my way....and I suffered horribly because of that. I don't tolerate it anymore. But I have to be careful, especially in what I say, as it's not nice to engage in verbal combat with unarmed opponents... JoeMo, Aliensanctuary and GayatfootofCross 3 Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Moderators Gregory Matthews Posted March 27, 2016 Moderators Posted March 27, 2016 Every person is a creation of God and of value. No one has to tolerate abuse, especially in the name of Christ. Naomi, rudywoofs (Pam) and LifeHiscost 3 Quote Gregory
LifeHiscost Posted March 28, 2016 Posted March 28, 2016 4 hours ago, Gail said: This is actually better in its own thread... Interesting that you should feel that way since the Word has the answer for abuser and abused alike, and for those willing to accept it, it gives the answer for those who believe its' Presence is Divine. Would you like to move it to another thread? 165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.....Psalms 119 God is Love!~Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Moderators Gregory Matthews Posted March 28, 2016 Moderators Posted March 28, 2016 People should be offended by abuse. They should be very offended. GayatfootofCross and rudywoofs (Pam) 2 Quote Gregory
Geoarrge Posted March 28, 2016 Posted March 28, 2016 Maintaining a clear mind in the face of adversity is an important skill, with far-reaching repercussions relating to the areas of the brain responsible for regulating emotional reactions. Quote To be an agent of creation is to serve the Creator.
Administrators Gail Posted March 28, 2016 Author Administrators Posted March 28, 2016 Jesus, the One who supported the oppressed, in His passion, did not retaliate. It could be argued that He was fulfilling His mission. But could it also be that He was also identifying with those who suffer/ed torture in this life and have no way of escape? As He was One that was "tempted in all points, yet without sin," was this another one of those times when He experienced what suffering humans also suffer, in order that He could relate better as our Advocate? Just a thought. Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
GayatfootofCross Posted March 28, 2016 Posted March 28, 2016 13 hours ago, Gregory Matthews said: People should be offended by abuse. They should be very offended. O what to do about People who abuse and think they are doing God's will? "It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble." Quote For all Eternity God waited in anticipation for You to show up to give You a Message - YOUR INCLUDED !!! { a merry dance }?️? " If you tarry 'til you're better You will never come at all " .. "I Will Rise" by the late great saved Glen Campbell If your picture of God is starting to feel too good to be true, you're starting to move in the right direction. "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite." Romeo and Juliet
Administrators Gail Posted March 28, 2016 Author Administrators Posted March 28, 2016 Can you imagine living in a place where you do not have the freedom to speak out against oppression? Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
GayatfootofCross Posted March 28, 2016 Posted March 28, 2016 7 minutes ago, Gail said: Can you imagine living in a place where you do not have the freedom to speak out against oppression? We are very fortunate and blessed to be living in America. Umm..as of right now! Quote For all Eternity God waited in anticipation for You to show up to give You a Message - YOUR INCLUDED !!! { a merry dance }?️? " If you tarry 'til you're better You will never come at all " .. "I Will Rise" by the late great saved Glen Campbell If your picture of God is starting to feel too good to be true, you're starting to move in the right direction. "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite." Romeo and Juliet
JoeMo Posted March 28, 2016 Posted March 28, 2016 23 hours ago, rudywoofs (Pam) said: I used to be very "meek and mild" when abuse came my way....and I suffered horribly because of that. I don't tolerate it anymore. But I have to be careful, especially in what I say, as it's not nice to engage in verbal combat with unarmed opponents Never bring a knife to a gunfight. rudywoofs (Pam) 1 Quote
Liz Posted March 28, 2016 Posted March 28, 2016 I don't handle abuse well at all. I fight back, verbally or physically however you attacked me I will give back. I also don't tolerate abuse of others if I see it. I wish I could remember that a soft answer turns away wrath, but my mouth is always about two sentences ahead of my brain. GayatfootofCross 1 Quote For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Mat. 16:26Please, support the JDRF and help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Please, support the March of Dimes.
Moderators Gregory Matthews Posted March 28, 2016 Moderators Posted March 28, 2016 Every living person is a creation of God and sustained by the power of God. As such, every person is of value and should not tolerate abuse. A denial that one is a child of God is a factor that may lead to abuse of that person and that has been demonstrated historically. A belief that some have been created with a superior status may lead to abuse of those who have been created with a lessor status. GayatfootofCross and rudywoofs (Pam) 2 Quote Gregory
LifeHiscost Posted March 28, 2016 Posted March 28, 2016 52Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53"Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?… Matthew 26 "Lord, and what about this man?" 22Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!" ......John 21 God is Love!!~Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Aliensanctuary Posted March 29, 2016 Posted March 29, 2016 I recall reading in Desire of Ages that even as a child, Jesus would find the downtrodden victims of abuse and do what he could to help them. That, too, was Israel's command from God, to help the poor, the widows and orphans, and make their needs the responsibility of everyone. Human nature being what it is, I'm sure some of the beggars were taunted or bullied or insulted or given spoiled food. Unfortunately, abused children grow up to become abusers of their children, thus perpetuating the vicious, soul-destroying cycle. Quote The Parable of the Lamb and the Pigpen https://www.createspace.com/3401451
Administrators Naomi Posted April 9, 2016 Administrators Posted April 9, 2016 How do I handle abuse? .....Hummm I attempt to consider the source. If it appears to be worth the effort, I attempt to respond in a calm voice and with non threatening words. If, in my opinion, there appears to be nothing to be accomplished I simply dust my feet and walk away. phkrause 1 Quote If your dreams are not big enough to scare you, they are not big enough for God
Moderators Gerr Posted April 9, 2016 Moderators Posted April 9, 2016 On 3/27/2016 at 5:21 PM, Gregory Matthews said: Every person is a creation of God and of value. No one has to tolerate abuse, especially in the name of Christ. So what do you do vis-a-vis the Sermon on the Mt.? Quote
Moderators Gregory Matthews Posted April 10, 2016 Moderators Posted April 10, 2016 Geerry asks what Ido about the SErmon on the MOunt? Well, that is sometime thought to be a passage that extends over three chapters in Matthew. Or it may be a short passage that begins each saying with the words : Blessed are . . .. The majority of those blessings are related to spiritual matters. The poor in spirit will have the kingdom of heaven. Those who thirst for righteousness will be filled. Those who are pure in heart will see God. Those who are persecuted because of righteousness will have the kingdom of heaven. Osthers relate to false accusations of evil. Gerry, there is little here that relates to physical abuse. Well, yes, in another passage Christ did tell the people that if they were required to carry the coat of a Roman {NOTE: I am putting this in the terms an actual requirement.] they were to carry it twice as far as required. Gerry, if you were thinking of such advice, you will not that Christ established a limit. Christ did not tell them to carry the garment for the entire journey[ of the Roman. Christ established a clear limit. Gerry, abuse in not just one time and of short duration. Abuse takes place in an ongoing situation. People who abuse once, will continue to abuse, unless stopped. Christ did tell people to "turn the check." But, note that passage limits to turning the one other check. Again, there is a limit. I will say again: Every human being is a creation of God. Not such human should have to tolerate abuse, even when n the name of God. Quote Gregory
LifeHiscost Posted April 10, 2016 Posted April 10, 2016 47 minutes ago, Gregory Matthews said: Every human being is a creation of God. Not such human should have to tolerate abuse, even when n the name of God. 52Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53"Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?… Matthew 26 Whoever serves me must follow .....John 12 It is true one doesn't have to, unless one wishes to obey Jesus' instructions in order to reflect the character of Christ. God is Love!~Jesus saves! Quote Lift Jesus up!!
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted April 10, 2016 Members Posted April 10, 2016 not standing to be abused doesn't necessarily mean one resorts to violence... LifeHiscost 1 Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
CoAspen Posted April 10, 2016 Posted April 10, 2016 Quote It is true one doesn't have to, unless one wishes to obey Jesus' instructions in order to reflect the character of Christ. Maybe further explanation? One should suffer because that glorifies Christ? Quote
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