Is It Abuse?

I have been doing some research on abuse and stumbled upon an internet sight where a woman asked if pinching and biting were abuse. She said her boyfriend did this and it would leave bruises. Sometimes people do these things to be cute or playful and it never progresses, however it should not be habitual and should never EVER leave a mark of any kind!  However, it is best to not allow this type of thing even when playing around.  It’s a fine line when “harmless” play can become abuse.  The woman also mentioned that he squeezed her knuckles together really tight.  Pay attention.  Hear me on this.  This is abuse! Abuse starts out as a pinch here, a tap there…but continues to worsen with time. You need to make it very clear to your significant other that if he/she cannot have a healthy relationship with you then an unhealthy relationship means no relationship. Sometimes, the person’s upbringing may lead him/her to think this behavior is okay but when you indicate it is not, he/she will understand and stop. However, if the behavior isn’t stopped, it will soon turn into hits and punches and who knows what else. Get out before it’s too late.

A Fast of a Different Kind

Do you find that life’s circumstances get you down? Does this make you feel disenchanted, hopeless, depressed? Do you struggle to find something positive to think about or talk about? Is it easier to complain than to celebrate the blessings? I understand.  This is often the battle I face.  It’s called warfare.  I have found something that helps me more than anything and I want to pass it along.

Try this experiment. Fast for just one week. Fast from negative thinking and speaking. Every time you catch yourself thinking something negative or speaking words that do not spread joy, turn it around. Think of a verse in the Bible that counters that thought. After all, the Word of God is Truth. When you are about to say something negative, choose to say something uplifting and encouraging instead. Just try it for a week. Oh, you will mess up every now and then, but you may find that the dark cloud that always seems to be over you…somehow is lifted. Just try it for a week, then maybe two, or three. Who knows maybe it will change your life forever. Now, don’t say something negative like, “that’s stupid” or “psychobabble”. If you do, then replace that thought with this truth from Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Then try again.

Remember, when life is hard (and it is), the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Speak words of life. Believe me, I am not free from this sin. I am truly preaching to the choir and practicing this for myself and it really does change me from the inside out.  I want to hide His word in my heart that I may not sin against Him.  Out of the abundance of my heart, my mouth speaks.  Lord let my words show me the condition of my heart. Then, use those words to change me.