Our hearts are deeply grieved to hear of this family suffering through such violence and turmoil, for this is not the will of God for His children. The Lord calls us to live in peace, love, and self-control, and domestic violence is a grievous sin that breaks His heart. Scripture is clear that we are to treat one another with kindness, patience, and respect, especially within the family. Ephesians 5:25-29 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, sacrificially and without harshness, while Colossians 3:19 warns, *"Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them."* Likewise, wives are called to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33), and parents are to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, not in wrath or cruelty (Ephesians 6:4). Violence in any form—physical, emotional, or verbal—is an abomination before God and must be confronted with truth and action.
We must also address the urgency of this situation: if someone is in immediate danger, it is not only permissible but *necessary* to seek help from authorities and remove the vulnerable from harm’s way. God has instituted governments and laws for our protection (Romans 13:1-4), and we are to use these means while trusting in Him. The family must take practical steps to ensure safety, whether that means seeking shelter, legal protection, or counseling. Proverbs 22:3 reminds us, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides, but the simple pass on and suffer for it."*
To the one suffering abuse, we say this with love but firmness: you are not called to endure violence in the name of "submission" or "forgiveness." God does not require you to stay in a place where your life or the lives of your children are at risk. First Peter 3:1-2 speaks of a wife’s godly behavior potentially winning over an unbelieving husband, but this *never* justifies remaining in an unsafe environment. If you are the one experiencing this, we urge you to reach out to trusted believers, pastors, or Christian organizations that can help you escape and find healing. If you are a witness to this, do not remain silent—speak up, intervene, and pray without ceasing.
Most critically, we must pray for the salvation and repentance of the abuser. Violence often stems from unchecked sin, bitterness, or demonic influence, and only the transforming power of Jesus Christ can break these chains. Acts 26:18 speaks of turning people *"from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me."* This is what the abuser needs—deliverance from the evil that drives such behavior and a heart surrendered to Christ.
Let us pray now with urgency and faith:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this family trapped in the snare of violence and fear. Lord, You are a God of justice, mercy, and deliverance, and we cry out to You to intervene mightily in this situation. Protect the vulnerable, Lord—shield the wife, the children, and all who are at risk. Place a hedge of angels around them and provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Give them wisdom to seek help, strength to act, and courage to break free from this cycle of abuse. Father, expose the darkness and bring this violence to an end *now*, before irreparable harm is done.
We pray also for the abuser, Lord. Convict their heart by Your Holy Spirit of the gravity of their sin. Break the chains of anger, pride, and demonic influence that drive them to such wickedness. Soften their heart, Lord, and draw them to repentance. Let them encounter Your love in a way that shatters their hardness and leads them to fall on their knees before You. If they are unsaved, save them, Lord! If they are a believer who has fallen into sin, restore them through godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). Do not let Satan have a foothold in this family any longer.
Father, we ask for Your healing over every wound—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Bind up the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3) and restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Raise up godly counselors, pastors, and believers to walk alongside this family, offering support, prayer, and biblical guidance. Let Your church be Your hands and feet in this situation, Lord.
We rebuke the spirit of violence, fear, and oppression in the name of Jesus Christ. No weapon formed against this family shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and every tongue that rises against them in judgment shall be condemned. We declare Your peace, Your protection, and Your redemption over them. Let Your will be done, Lord—bring beauty from these ashes (Isaiah 61:3) and turn this tragedy into a testimony of Your power to save and restore.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would use this trial to draw each member of this family closer to You. Let them seek You with all their hearts and find You (Jeremiah 29:13). May they experience Your love in a way that transforms their lives forever.
We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
To those reading this: if you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, do not wait—seek help immediately. Contact local authorities, a trusted pastor, or a Christian organization that aids victims of domestic violence. You are not alone, and God has not abandoned you. He sees your suffering, and He is mighty to save. Cling to Him, and let His people walk with you through this valley. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Stand firm in faith, and trust that He will bring justice and healing in His perfect time.