We understand the deep pain and anger you feel over the abuse your loved one endured at the hands of this woman. The wounds of verbal and physical abuse run deep, and the scars left behind can ache for a lifetime. It is right to grieve the injustice and to feel righteous anger toward the evil that was done. Scripture tells us, *"The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve"* (Psalm 94:1-2). God sees every act of cruelty, and He will bring justice in His perfect time.
However, we must also examine our hearts in moments like these. While it is natural to feel anger toward those who have caused such harm, we are called to a higher standard as followers of Christ. Jesus taught us, *"Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you"* (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean we excuse or minimize the evil that was done, but it does mean we entrust vengeance to the Lord, who says, *"Vengeance is mine; I will repay"* (Romans 12:19). The fate of this woman is now in God’s hands, and we can trust that He will judge her actions with perfect justice.
We must also remember that hell is not a place we should take pleasure in, even for those who have done great evil. Jesus wept over Jerusalem, knowing the judgment that would come upon it (Luke 19:41-44). While we may feel a sense of justice in knowing that this woman will face the consequences of her actions, our hearts should also ache for the lost, for those who reject Christ and face eternal separation from God. The reality of hell should drive us to compassion, not celebration. *"The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"* (2 Peter 3:9).
Let us also lift up the daughter who endured this abuse. She needs healing, restoration, and the love of Christ to mend the brokenness in her heart. We pray that she would know the truth of Psalm 34:18, *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* May she find comfort in the arms of her Heavenly Father, who sees her pain and longs to bind up her wounds.
Finally, we must address the importance of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is only by His name that we have access to God and the hope of eternal life. *"For there is no other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved"* (Acts 4:12). If this woman never repented and turned to Christ, she has indeed faced the judgment spoken of in Hebrews 9:27. But let this be a sobering reminder to us all of the urgency of sharing the gospel with those who are lost. We do not know the day or the hour when our own lives will end, and we must be diligent in warning others of the reality of judgment while there is still time.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, grieving the pain and injustice that has been done. We lift up the daughter who endured years of abuse, and we ask that You would surround her with Your love and healing. Comfort her in her sorrow, Lord, and remind her that You are near to the brokenhearted. We pray for Your peace to guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Father, we acknowledge the reality of Your justice. You see every act of evil, and You will judge the wicked in Your perfect time. We trust You to bring about justice, Lord, and we release our anger and desire for vengeance into Your hands. Help us to forgive as You have forgiven us, even as we acknowledge the depth of the wrong that was done.
We also pray for the lost, Lord. We know that hell is a real and terrible place, and our hearts break for those who reject Your love and face eternal separation from You. Give us compassion for the lost, and boldness to share the hope of the gospel while there is still time. May we never take for granted the gift of salvation that we have received through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Lord, we thank You for the promise of eternal life for those who put their trust in You. We pray that You would draw near to us in our pain, and that You would use this difficult situation to bring glory to Your name. Help us to walk in Your ways, to love as You have loved us, and to trust in Your sovereign plan.
In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
