Can You Rid Yourself of Inferiority?

 Domestic violence exists in families because the offender believes the lie that physical force is the only way to settle conflicts and disputes. Another lie connected to family violence is that feelings of inferiority are caused other people. Eleanor Roosevelt stated, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

The perpetrator of family violence has to face their inferiority, which is linked closely to fear. This is difficult because it demands a change in how to cope with the pressures of life. Eleanor Roosevelt also believed, “You gain courage and confidence by doing what you think you cannot do.”

The opposite of inferiority is self-assurance, which is gained through trust in yourself and God’s word. David asked God to create in him a clean heart. God’s grace and mercy diminish the power of inferiority and replace it with faith strong enough for change. Ask God for courage to make this transition.

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I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me?

~Psalm 56:4 Good News Bible

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What Drives the Need for Violence?

Domestic violence is so pervasive, it’s a main topic for the evening news. in addition to child and spousal abuse, domestic abuse includes ex-spouses, siblings, and in-laws. Violence creates distrust that may never be restored. It changes the family from a place of security and safety to one of fear and anxiety.

Violence creates victims, whether they’re a woman, man, adolescent or child. A clear example of this is seen when an older sibling physically and emotionally abuses a younger sibling because the younger sibling has threatened the other’s intelligence and identity.

A person resorts to violence out of a feeling of failure to measure up, yet the Lord God gives a healthy sense of power and identity to all persons who put their faith and trust in him. 

Jesus heals the broken-hearted and repairs the crushed spirit through his love and forgiveness. Complete healing by Christ alone will eradicate the need for violence. 

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You, O Lord, have looked deep in my heart, and you know all about me. You notice everything I do and everywhere I go.

~Psalm 139:1,3 Contemporary English Version

 

God, create a clean heart in me and renew a right attitude within me…and let a willing attitude control me. Then I will teach transgressors you ways…

~Psalm 51:10,12-13 International Standard Version

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Why Does Violence Rarely Achieve Respect?

Domestic violence is not easy to discuss because it’s so shameful and degrading. The media in the past has focused on men as offenders, but women are currently gaining notoriety. The objective of domestic violence is to establish control through acts of physical aggression.

I once observed a mother of three young children threatening to slap their faces for misbehaving. In frustration she slapped each one with enough force to stun the child. Her use of physical aggression provided momentary control but failed to teach enforceable boundaries her children would honor.

While aggression may furnish a temporary means for exerting dominance and control, it rarely achieves respect and approval. Violence demonstrates a deeper level of impotence and powerlessness. Proverbs 16:32 has this advice: “It is better to be patient than powerful.” Patience is gained by being constant in prayer. 

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I offer you my heart, Lord God, and I trust you. …I always look to you, because you rescue me from every trap. …My awful worries keep growing. Rescue me from this sadness. 

~Psalm 25:1,15,17 Contemporary English Version

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In What Ways Are You Dependent on God's Protection?

A primary source of stress and trauma is in the home, where safety and security should be the primary stabilizing influence. Books, television, newspapers, and magazines have shown that violence permeates every strata of culture, creating stress and trauma in its path.

Domestic violence includes physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Try to imagine the trauma each person experiences when exposed to the destructive force of violence in the home. The offender’s self-respect and integrity are destroyed, while trust for what should be a safe place is lost for the offended.

God never approves of family violence yet promises to be a shelter for those seeking him in the midst of the storm. Psalm 46:1 assures, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear though the earth should tremble and the mountains tumble into the  sea.” 

Trust God to send his help.  

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The [godly,] righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

~Psalm 34:19 New Living Translation

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