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Hello folks. This devotional will be a tough one, so anyone under 16 or anyone who has gone through rough moments may want to skip this one. Survivor resources are located at the bottom of this devotional.
Date | August 10, 2024 | Dealing with Sexual Assault |
Verse | 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 (NIV): "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?" Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV): "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" 2 Samuel 13:10-16 (NIV): "Then Amnon said to Tamar, ‘Bring the food here into my bedroom so I may eat from your hand.’ And Tamar took the bread she had prepared and brought it to her brother Amnon in his bedroom. But when she took it to him to eat, he grabbed her and said, ‘Come to bed with me, my sister.’ ‘No, my brother!’ she said to him. ‘Don’t force me! Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don’t do this wicked thing. What about me? Where could I get rid of my disgrace? And what about you? You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel. Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you.’ But he refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her. Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, ‘Get up and get out!’ ‘No!’ she said to him. ‘Sending me away would be a greater wrong than what you have already done to me.’" Sirach 9:5; 7-9 (NRSV-CE): "Do not look intently at a virgin, or you may stumble and incur penalties for her. Turn away your eyes from a shapely woman, and do not gaze at beauty belonging to another; many have been seduced by a woman’s beauty, and by it passion is kindled like a fire. Never dine with another man’s wife, or revel with her at wine; or your heart may turn aside to her, and in blood you may be plunged into destruction." Psalm 9:9-10 (NIV): "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." |
Explanation | These five passages from the Bible address various aspects of relationships, morality, and sin, particularly focusing on sexual conduct. They serve as guidelines for behavior within religious communities, emphasizing respect for others' boundaries and condemning sexual assault. A strong faith in God can offer comfort, strength, and hope to victims of abuse. 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 highlights the importance of upholding moral standards within a community by expelling individuals who commit serious acts such as incest. This passage underscores the need for accountability and protection of vulnerable members in society. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the human heart's inherent sinfulness, which can lead to wrongdoings such as sexual assault or immorality. This verse encourages introspection and striving towards a virtuous life with God's guidance. 2 Samuel 13 portrays the story of Amnon and Tamar, illustrating how one person can exploit their power over another for sinful purposes. The passage serves as a warning against taking advantage of others and demonstrates the devastating consequences of such actions. Sirach 9 provides guidance on maintaining moral purity by avoiding inappropriate behavior such as lusting after or pursuing relationships with other people's spouses, emphasizing respect for boundaries and self-control. Psalm 9 offers comfort to those who have suffered oppression, providing hope that God will be their refuge during difficult times. This passage reminds victims of abuse that they can find solace in faith and trust that God has not abandoned them. |
Societal Relevance | To avoid sexual immorality, Christians should strive to live a life guided by love, respect for others, and self-control. They are encouraged to seek wisdom from Scripture, engage in prayer, and cultivate virtues such as purity, humility, and compassion. When comforting a victim of abuse, it is essential to approach the situation with sensitivity and empathy. Offer unconditional support, listen actively without judgment, and remind them that they are not alone. Encourage them to seek professional help if needed, such as counselors or religious leaders who can provide guidance and resources for healing. It's also crucial to respect their pace in the healing process, allowing them to make decisions about when and how much they wish to share. Luckily, by the grace of God, I was never a victim of SA, however, it has gotten close. In the 2000s, at age 8 or so, my parents former friend’s son named David (adopted from Bulgaria, and had mental disorders) kept on yanking my pants down, but I did not understand what he was doing at the time. Whilst marveling at the design of his CD player boombox in his room, unaware of my surroundings, David pulled my pants down again. Finally, I told my parents, and my mom said next time David does that, hit him as hard as possible to teach him a lesson. So, I socked him, and shortly afterwards, the friendship was broken by 2009 after his father got mad at me for no reason. My parents and I are no longer in contact with David’s parents or his family. Fast forward to 2022, my mom told me that David at age 19 committed third-degree SA on a 16-year-old minor boy and went in front of a judge on May 30, 2018 and was sentenced to jail. No wonder why David was touching me all over all those years ago, as he was on his way to become a future sex offender nearly a decade later. All we can do as Christians is pray for both the victims to heal (James 5:16), and the perpetrators of these attacks to repent of their actions (Luke 6:28). Victims of SA may use the following information to seek help. In case of emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number: 1. RAINN (USA): https://rainn.org 2. National Sexual Assault Hotline (USA): +1-800-656-HOPE (4673) 3. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (International): https://www.snapnetwork.org/ 4. University of Minnesota (International): Handbook for International Survivors of Sexual Assault (2010).PDF |
