Definition and Context:
Abusive parents are those who engage in behaviors that harm their children physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This abuse can manifest in various forms, including physical violence, emotional manipulation, neglect, and spiritual abuse. The Bible addresses the responsibilities of parents and the treatment of children, emphasizing love, discipline, and nurturing in a godly manner.

Biblical Principles and Teachings:

1. Parental Responsibility:
The Bible outlines the role of parents as caregivers and educators who are to raise their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the importance of nurturing children without inciting anger or resentment.

2. Discipline and Love:
While discipline is a part of parenting, it must be administered with love and not in a manner that harms the child. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This proverb emphasizes the balance between discipline and love, warning against neglectful parenting while advocating for corrective guidance.

3. Condemnation of Violence and Abuse:
The Bible condemns violence and unjust treatment of others, including children. Colossians 3:21 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged." This verse warns against harsh treatment that can lead to a child's discouragement and emotional harm.

4. God’s Compassion for the Vulnerable:
Scripture consistently shows God's concern for the vulnerable and oppressed, including children. Psalm 127:3 declares, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This verse underscores the value and blessing of children, implying the need for their protection and care.

5. Consequences of Abuse:
The Bible warns of the consequences of sin, including the mistreatment of others. Matthew 18:6 provides a stern warning: "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This passage highlights the severity of leading children astray or causing them harm.

6. Call to Justice and Protection:
Believers are called to uphold justice and protect those who are vulnerable. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This call to action includes standing against abuse and advocating for the well-being of children.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In biblical times, the family was a central unit of society, and the well-being of children was crucial for the continuation of the family line and community. While the cultural context differed from today, the principles of love, discipline, and protection remain relevant. The Bible's teachings on family relationships provide a framework for understanding the responsibilities of parents and the rights of children.

Application for Today:
The biblical principles regarding parenting and the treatment of children continue to be applicable in contemporary society. Abusive behavior by parents is contrary to the teachings of Scripture, which call for love, nurturing, and righteous discipline. The church and Christian communities are encouraged to support families, provide resources for healthy parenting, and intervene when abuse is present to protect children and promote healing.Ephesians 6:4
And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 13:24
He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes.
Topicalbible.org

Concerning the Afflictions that Befell the Hebrews in Egypt ...
... the crown being now come into another family, they became very abusive to the ... He
enjoined also, that if any parents should disobey him, and venture to save ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the afflictions.htm

Kingo's Childhood and Youth
... His good parents had reason to be proud of their promising and well educated ... an outlet
for his bitterness, he wrote a number of extremely abusive poems about ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter three kingos childhood and.htm

Sixth Commandment
... How are you treating your parents? ... without a blow being struck; secret anger"the
spiteful jeer"the open, unrestrained outburst of violent abusive speech.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/sixth commandment.htm

Love Worketh no Ill to his Neighbor; Therefore Love is the ...
... How often do you see fond parents, who live for an only child, and when that ... Perfect
love cannot speak in a rough or abusive manner, either to or of others. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/love worketh no ill to.htm

The Great Awakening.
... consecrate themselves watchfully to perform the relative duties of parents and children ...
has characterized as "one of the most severely abusive sermons which was ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xi the great awakening.htm

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
... Should a man who had used abusive language to you come and penitently ask your ... The
moral condition of the parents may modify to an extent, but never wholly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter v the way from.htm

Excuses not Reasons
... Fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, parents and children, remember Christ's
deep words ... It is only the excessive and abusive possession of His gifts and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/excuses not reasons.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... His blest resolves for such so good an act, By the abusive carriages of ... Their parents'
love and care they overlook, As if relation had them quite forsook. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary.
... passages which we have already quoted in which Joseph and Mary are called his parents. ...
I shall not venture to explain it, for fear Helvidius may be abusive. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the perpetual virginity of blessed.htm

The Third Book
... considered harsh teachers, they must be thought most indulgent parents, who, through ...
by choosing those commands that please us, or by an abusive indulgence of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the third book.htm

How do we honor an abusive parent? | GotQuestions.org

What is spiritual abuse? | GotQuestions.org

Is abuse an acceptable reason for divorce? | GotQuestions.org

Abusive: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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