Domestic and Family Violence (DFV): Part Two by Ps Michael Podhaczky

In the previous blog, we began looking at the issue of domestic and family violence. If we are honest, we all know that we live in a fallen and broken world where we can damage and hurt each other. Even Christ-followers can be guilty of domestic and family violence, especially behind our front door.

As Christ-followers, let’s explore the idea of living in a home without a front door. What this means is living life as a family the same way either side of the front door. If outside our home we are a loving, accepting person, showing empathy and having compassion, not living as an abuser of those we meet, willing to forgive and let the life of God’s Spirit overflow from within us, then we need to also live like this inside our home. That is, live like we have no front door and anyone can come in at any time and see the same behaviour and attitudes that they see outside of our home.

What this means in this context is that we need to choose to live constant lives as Christ-followers. That means, even at home we are constantly on the path of sanctification until we breathe our last breath. So, as Paul has said,

¹² “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. ¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (Phil 2:12-13 NLT)

C.S. Lewis put it this way,

“Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different than it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing into a heavenly creature or a hellish creature: either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures, and with itself.”[1]

Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over…

 Do you need support? The following Domestic and Family Violence support services are available:

·         1800 RESPECT National Helpline: 1800 737 732

·         Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811

·         Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491

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[1] Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. (New York, NY: Macmillan, 1960), 86-87