Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects countless individuals and families. As Christians, we believe that God calls us to love, respect, and protect one another. Abuse of any kind is not in line with God’s will for His people. The Bible offers wisdom, guidance, and hope for those suffering from domestic violence, as well as direction for those who seek to help. Below are key themes from Scripture that address this issue, along with relevant Bible verses to provide strength and encouragement.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Killing in Self-Defense
God’s Heart for the Oppressed
The Bible is clear that God has a special concern for the oppressed and those who suffer. He hears their cries and calls His people to stand against injustice. Domestic violence is a form of oppression, and God does not condone it in any form. Those who are mistreated can take refuge in the Lord, who is always near to the brokenhearted.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.”
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”
Proverbs 14:31
“Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.”
Exodus 22:22-23
“You must not exploit a widow or an orphan. If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry.”
God Hates Violence
God is a God of love, peace, and justice. He despises violence and holds accountable those who harm others. Domestic violence is a grievous sin in the eyes of the Lord, and He does not tolerate those who mistreat their family members. The Bible repeatedly warns against the consequences of violent behavior.
Psalm 11:5
“The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.”
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. ‘To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. ‘So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.'”
Proverbs 3:31
“Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.”
Proverbs 10:6
“The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.”
Isaiah 60:18
“Violence will disappear from your land; the desolation and destruction of war will end. Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there.”
Love and Respect in Relationships
God designed relationships to be built on love, respect, and selflessness. Abuse has no place in a godly marriage or family. Scripture teaches that love is patient and kind, not harmful or abusive. A true Christ-centered relationship reflects God’s love and care.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
Ephesians 5:25
“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.”
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.”
1 Peter 3:7
“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”
Romans 12:10
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
God as a Protector
God is our protector and refuge in times of trouble. Those suffering from domestic violence should know that they are not alone. The Lord provides strength and shelter, and He will deliver them from harm.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
2 Samuel 22:3
“My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Child Abuse
God Calls for Justice
The Lord is a God of justice, and He commands His people to stand against oppression and wrongdoing. Domestic violence is an injustice that must not be ignored. God calls for accountability and for His people to defend those who are suffering.
Micah 6:8
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Isaiah 61:8
“For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them.”
Proverbs 21:15
“Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers.”
Psalm 82:3-4
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.”
Jeremiah 22:3
“This is what the Lord says: Be fair-minded and just. Do what is right! Help those who have been robbed; rescue them from their oppressors. Quit your evil deeds! Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans, and widows. Stop murdering the innocent!”
Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
The Bible teaches that those who engage in violence must repent and turn to God. Abusers can break free from their sinful ways through Christ’s transforming power. Healing and restoration are possible for both victims and offenders, but it requires true repentance and change.
Ezekiel 18:30-31
“Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel?”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Proverbs 28:13
“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
James 1:19-20
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
Romans 6:6
“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.”
God’s Promise of Healing
For those who have suffered abuse, God offers healing, restoration, and hope. He binds up the wounds of the brokenhearted and brings peace to those who seek Him. No one is beyond His love and grace, and He promises to restore what has been lost.
Jeremiah 30:17
“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds, says the Lord. For you are called an outcast—‘Jerusalem for whom no one cares.’”
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Matthew 11:28-29
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’”