Hot Topics: Part 3 - 'Behind Closed Doors'

This Sunday, Philippa Marsh brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
The talk will be available via live stream at 9.30am on Sunday 18th September, on our YouTube channel.
 
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:

Reading:

Ephesians chapter 5 verse 22

“Wives submit yourselves to your own husband as you do to the Lord”
(verses 25 to 28) “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”


Ephesians chapter 4 verse 2

“Forgive, as the Lord forgave you”


Malachi, chapter 2 verses 14 and 16

“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.

‘The man who hates and divorces his wife,’ says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘does violence to the one he should protect,’ says the Lord Almighty.
So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”



Prayer and Reflection:

Loving God,

Fill our hearts with compassion for those who suffer violence, exploitation, and abuse at the hands of others. Guide us so that we may recognise those who need our assistance. Direct our hearts that we might loosen the burdens placed upon them and bring them to freedom and safety.

We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus, now and forever.

AMEN.



Questions to consider:
1) How does our understanding of forgiveness affect those in abuse situations?