Proverbs 4:6-7 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (NIV)
ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
I read the interview of a divorcee sometimes ago. The interviewer asked to know why she left her husband. She responded by saying "I was tired of pummeling". Another heart touching story that was aired on t.v.is the story of a banker who was killed by her husband. They've always been having issues before that fatal event. From their story, their marriage had an history of several physical abuses until the day her husband stabbed her. The coroner report says she was stabbed 72 times. I watched how the man was put in chains after he received his sentence in court. He was crying, praying and speaking in tongues. That surprised me. Later, I read that this man was her fellowship president in school and a minister in the church.
Singles, listen to this, an abusive relationship will not work even if you manage it. If he's slapping you in courtship just know that he will beat you like a WWE fighter in marriage. There are several persons who left abusive relationships while some are managing it. It is foolhardy to manage an abusive relationship regardless of how long you've been together. Quite a number of persons have lost their lives to such relationships. I once told a lady to quit an abusive relationship, thank God she did. Here in Africa, the awareness of standing against abuse in marriage is just rising. Some see it as the norm and they explain it away. Unlike our western counterpart, they are sensitive to things like this that's why no one can get away with being abusive in that society.
Abuse is not only physical. It can be verbal. Don't bother asking to know if God is in your relationship the moment abuse( physical/ verbal) sets in. If she has an abusive tongue, she's not for you even if she sings like an angel. Don't manage a brother or sister with abusive tendencies even if fire is coming out of their mouth. I know a man, when he was single, he believed a woman need to be given correctional slaps sometimes. After he married, his wife reported to me she had received several slaps and beatings. My mind went back to the day he said women deserve such sometimes. If he believes in giving you correctional slap while in courtship, just quit. If that relationship proceed into marriage, he may kill you. Run now. The covenant of life is stronger than the covenant of marriage in the words of Pst Mrs Innocent.
Don't manage an abusive relationship neither should you pray about it. Run for your dear life.