However, in the case of spousal abuse, we must also consider that our bodies and minds are the temple of God . One shouldn't remain in an abusive home if they can help it. Physical, mental or emotional abuse in any marriage is UNACCEPTABLE to God. If one is truly converted to God and His way of life, they will become God's temple. He will live in them and walk among them in Spirit, be their God, and they will be His people. The New Covenant spoken of in a number of places in the Bible is the contract of living God's Way. God looks at the temple of our hearts and minds and welcomes those who by their conscience have been keeping themselves separate (as much as possible) from sin and Satan the devil (the ruler and deceiver of this present evil world - Revelation 12:9). "And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For you are God's temple, the home of the living God, and God has said of you, "I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people." " (2Corinthians 6:16, The Living Bible) That is why God says, "Leave them; separate yourselves from them; don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you." (2Corinthians 6:17, The Living Bible) "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy , which temple you are." (1Corinthians 3:16-17) When a person is converted they are willing to keep a commitment to God and walk in His Ways. "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble." (Psalm 119:165) "For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life" (Proverbs 6:23) Put God first in your life. "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments , that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. " (Deuteronomy 30:15-16) In the New Testament Paul addresses the issue of how husbands and wives should treat each other: "To the rest [those in mixed marriages where one is a believer and the other may not be] I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. "For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean , but as it is, they are holy [set apart]. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?" (1Corinthians 7:12-16, NIV)
No one should ever stay in an abusive situation. If the offending spouse was a believer at one time, they have BECOME an unbeliever because of their behavior. If the offender is not willing to seek counseling and make a sincere, concerted effort to change their habits and the situation at home, the offended spouse should not remain in this type of environment where abuse exists. Prayer about the situation and separation from the person is certainly warranted. |