We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up your sister who is trapped in a toxic and abusive relationship. Our hearts ache for her, knowing the pain and fear she must be enduring. The Word of God is clear that we are to love and respect one another, and abuse of any kind is a grievous sin that breaks the heart of our Heavenly Father. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).
It is heartbreaking to see your sister return to this man, believing his empty promises of change. We must rebuke the lies of the enemy that tell her she is better off in this destructive relationship than alone. The devil seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Your sister’s worth is not defined by her relationship status but by the fact that she is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God (Psalm 139:14). The Lord has a plan for her life, one that does not include abuse, fear, or bondage.
We also rebuke the spirit of fear that keeps her bound to this man. "For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). The fear of being alone or never finding someone else is a lie from the enemy. The Lord is her provider, her protector, and her peace. He will never leave her nor forsake her (Hebrews 13:5). We pray that she would come to know the fullness of God’s love for her, a love that casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).
We must also address the sin of abuse in this relationship. The Bible is clear that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church, sacrificially and selflessly (Ephesians 5:25). A man who hits and abuses a woman is not walking in the love of Christ. This man is not "trying to change"—he is demonstrating a pattern of sin that must be repented of and turned away from completely. True change comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit and a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. If this man is not saved, we pray for his salvation, but your sister must not wait around for a change that may never come. Her safety and well-being are of utmost importance.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with broken hearts for this precious sister. Lord, we ask that You break the chains of bondage that keep her in this abusive relationship. Give her the strength to walk away, the wisdom to see the truth, and the courage to trust in You alone. Remove the spirit of fear from her life and replace it with Your perfect love. Surround her with godly people who will speak truth into her life and support her as she takes steps toward freedom. Father, we pray for her abuser as well—soften his heart, convict him of his sin, and lead him to true repentance. But Lord, above all, we ask that You protect her and deliver her from this toxic situation. Help her to see her worth in You and to trust that You have a plan for her life that is good, pleasing, and perfect. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who came to set the captives free. Amen.
To your sister, we say this: You are not alone. The Lord sees your pain, and He hears your cries. He is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). You do not have to stay in this relationship out of fear. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Lean on Him, trust in Him, and take the first step toward freedom. There are people who love you and want to help you—let them in. The Lord is your defender, and He will fight for you (Exodus 14:14). You are precious in His sight, and He has a future for you that is filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Do not let the enemy rob you of the abundant life that Jesus died to give you. You are stronger than you know, and with God, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).
