In the Abigails Support Group,
participants find biblical guidance for dealing with abuse and its
effects. The Bible helps us to understand domestic violence and shows us
godly ways to respond to it. The Abigails Support Group uses a year-long
series of weekly lessons developed by the Olympia Union Gospel Mission,
covering topics such as the dynamics of domestic violence, verbal and
emotional abuse, godly submission and godly headship, leaving an abusive
situation, forgiveness, boundaries, and much more. Each lesson is
designed to last about a half hour and includes discussion questions.
OUGM is making these lessons
available on the Internet to proclaim God's mercy, wisdom, and help in
time of need. If you are struggling with abuse, we pray that these
lessons will help you with truth from God's Word. If you have a support
group for victims of domestic violence or other ministry, we hope these
lessons will be a blessing to your work. These materials may be
reproduced for use in ministry or other non-commercial purposes. If you
wish to print out the studies, check to see if they contain
internal links to supplemental pages that should also be
printed. If you
have comments, feedback, suggestions, or questions, feel free to contact
Judy at judy@abigails.org
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path. Your statutes are my delight; they are my
counselors. Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding
that I may live. (Psalm 119:24,105,144)
NEW! Download
a workbook containing 10 Bible-based lessons on the basic dynamics of
domestic violence and verbal abuse. This resource is ideal for
group or individual study. Click on this
link to download this workbook.
Lessons from David and Saul (1 Samuel)
The relationship between Saul and
David provides a study of the patterns often seen in cases of domestic
violence. Saul showed many of the classic behaviors of domestic violence
abusers. David modeled for us godly responses that even experts today
call prudent. Click below to read about each topic.
Lessons from Abigail (1 Samuel 25)
1Samuel 25 teaches us
about Abigail, a woman married to an abusive husband. Her story is only
one chapter long, yet it says much about the struggle of women facing
abuse at home. It can help women today to understand how to protect
family and loved ones from abuse while maintaining godly submission.
Confronting Abuse As Sin
When we recognize abuse as sin, it helps us to apply Biblical principles
to the situation.
Healthy Boundaries
In the Abigails Support Group, we use an 8-part video tape series called Boundaries,
by Christian counselors Drs. Cloud and Townsend. It is based on
their book by the same title (1992, Zondervan Press). Here
are some additional studies about healthy boundaries:
Divorce and Remarriage
Does the Bible permit
divorce? Can Christians remarry after a divorce? Doesn't
divorce break vows made to God? These studies will
examine the scriptures on these important questions.
Forgiveness
It can be hard to forgive after suffering
abuse. Forgiveness is important, but can victims of domestic abuse
forgive without setting themselves up for more abuse?
When
Is It Appropriate To Forgive?
Does Forgiving Mean
Going Back?
Jesus-Style
Forgiveness
Forgiveness and Trust
Forgiveness and Freedom
Forgiving
Yourself
Forgiving God
On Your Own Again
Sometimes the abuse does not stop and the relationship must
end. We may find ourselves facing issues of being on our own
again.
God's
Promises For Single Women
Mileposts and
Potholes
Dating Is Not For Weaklings
Seduction Is Not Love
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