“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” – Mark 9:42
Protecting the Innocent
We know that protection for the vulnerable is a core principle in our faith. God cares deeply for children and those who may not have the strength to defend themselves. We can see many instances in the Bible where God calls us to protect the innocent. As a community, it’s important for us to stand up against any form of harm done to the innocent and ensure their safety. Responding to violence or abuse is not just an act of justice; it’s an act of love. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus here on Earth, and that means defending those who are unable to defend themselves.
Psalm 82:3
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
Seeking Justice
As believers, we see the importance of justice in our lives. The Bible encourages us to seek justice and to act righteously, especially for those who have been wronged. When we witness or hear about horrible actions like molestation, it is our duty to advocate for justice. This means not only reporting these acts but also supporting the victims and helping them find healing. Our faith calls us to be voices of hope and advocates for fairness, showing that God cares about justice and the truth.
Proverbs 21:15
“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” – Proverbs 21:15
Zechariah 7:9
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'” – Zechariah 7:9
Isaiah 61:8
“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness, I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.” – Isaiah 61:8
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Lamentations 3:34-36
“To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny people their rights before the Most High, to deprive them of justice—would not the Lord see such things?” – Lamentations 3:34-36
Healing the Wounded
We know that healing is a critical part of recovery from the traumatic experiences of molestation. God offers comfort and healing to those who have been wronged. As a community of believers, we can be instruments of God’s healing by supporting those who are hurting. It is vital that we recognize the need for healing both emotionally and spiritually and that we help our brothers and sisters find the right resources. In Christ, we have the assurance that no wound is too deep to be healed.
Psalms 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalms 147:3
Jeremiah 30:17
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 30:17
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28-30
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Forgiveness and Restoration
Forgiveness is essential in the Christian faith, and even more so for those who have suffered from the painful act of molestation. While this may feel incredibly difficult, we understand that forgiveness is sometimes a journey, not a one-time decision. It frees us from the burden of bitterness and anger, opening the door for real healing and restoration. Our faith encourages us to forgive those who have hurt us, not for their sake but for our own peace and healing. It may seem impossible but with God’s strength, we can find the ability to forgive.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19
God’s Love and Support
God’s love is unchanging, and in moments of deep hurt and pain, we can lean on His everlasting support. God walks alongside us through every trial and every struggle. When we face the aftermath of molestation, we can find solace in the fact that God is there with us, holding us tightly in His arms. We are never truly alone; His presence brings comfort. Embracing God’s love helps us to find strength when we feel weak and to stand firm in faith even amidst the storms of life.
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Community Support and Unity
As members of the body of Christ, we are called to support one another, particularly in times of suffering. When someone is broken and feels alone due to the trauma of molestation, our community becomes a safe haven, a place of refuge. Building a strong, united community based on love and understanding allows us to offer real support to those in need. We should be proactive in reaching out to those suffering and reminding them that they are not alone and that God’s love flows through the community.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Final Thoughts
It is heartbreaking to acknowledge the reality of molestation, but through our faith, we can find hope and healing. God calls us to protect the innocent, seek justice, and support one another as a community. Regardless of the pain, we encounter, it’s essential to know that God’s love surrounds us, providing comfort during hard times. Forgiveness allows us to heal from our wounds. We can make a positive impact in our communities by advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves and supporting those who have been harmed. Let us work towards a world where love prevails over pain and healing follows hurt.
If you or someone you know is struggling with similar experiences, remember that you are not alone. Seek help, offer support, and take heart in the love and justice that God promises. As we navigate these difficult conversations, we can look to the scriptures for guidance and comfort, and to explore more topics such as justice for the oppressed or justice and righteousness to find strength and encouragement.