A·buse /əˈbyo͞oz/ – Noun: To use improperly, unjustly, or to harmful effect.
The Bible is clear in teaching love, kindness and respect, and refraining from harm of self or others. Its pages admonish against abuse in any forms, such as the abuse of authority, the abuse of another person, or the abuse of drugs and alcohol that harm your body. The commandment for rest on the Sabbath extends to one's animals and servants, as well as members of the household. Any physical, mental or emotional abuse is unacceptable to God.
Select Bible Passages on Abuse
- OF WORKERS: Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. – Exodus 23:19
- OF SPOUSE: Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. – Colossians 3:19
- SUBSTANCE: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. – 1 Peter 5:8
- SUBSTANCE: Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. – 1 Thess. 5:6-7
- SUBSTANCE: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. – 1 Cor. 6:19-20
- IN JUDGMENT/PUNISHMENT: [Jesus Said] He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. – John 8:7
What are WebDefs?
WebDefs – simple definitions of key terms relating to ministry and healing arts – are a regular feature of NHM Ministrants. Offered (where applicable) in conjunction with select key scriptural passages and analysis, WebDefs can be a useful starting place for exploring a topic of interest.