Definition and Context:
Spousal abuse, also known as domestic violence, refers to any form of mistreatment or harm inflicted by one spouse upon the other within the context of marriage. This can include physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse. The Bible, while written in a historical context where modern terms like "spousal abuse" were not used, provides principles that can be applied to understand and address such behavior.

Biblical Principles on Marriage:
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God for companionship, mutual support, and love. In Genesis 2:24 , it is stated, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This union implies a relationship of mutual respect and care.

Love and Respect:
Ephesians 5:25-28 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." This passage emphasizes sacrificial love and care, which is antithetical to any form of abuse.

Similarly, wives are called to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33): "Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." The mutual love and respect outlined in these passages leave no room for abusive behavior.

Condemnation of Violence:
The Bible consistently condemns violence and unjust treatment of others. Psalm 11:5 states, "The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence." This divine disapproval of violence extends to all relationships, including marriage.

Protection and Justice:
Scripture advocates for the protection of the vulnerable and the pursuit of justice. Proverbs 31:8-9 urges, "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the justice of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy." In cases of spousal abuse, these verses can be seen as a call to protect and advocate for the victim.

Repentance and Restoration:
While the Bible calls for repentance and forgiveness, it does not condone continued sin or abuse. Luke 17:3-4 teaches, "If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him." However, genuine repentance involves a change in behavior, and forgiveness does not mean tolerating ongoing abuse.

Church's Role:
The church is called to be a community of support and accountability. Galatians 6:1-2 advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The church should provide support for victims and hold abusers accountable, promoting healing and restoration.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not explicitly address "spousal abuse" as a term, its teachings on love, respect, and justice provide a clear framework for understanding and addressing such behavior within marriage. The principles of sacrificial love, mutual respect, and the condemnation of violence are foundational to a biblical view of marriage, leaving no room for abuse.Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
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Mark 10:2-12
And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
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1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
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Ephesians 5:22
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
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Deuteronomy 24:1-4
When a man has taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he has found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorce, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.
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Malachi 2:16
For the LORD, the God of Israel, said that he hates putting away: for one covers violence with his garment, said the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that you deal not treacherously.
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1 Corinthians 7:15
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God has called us to peace.
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1 Corinthians 7:12-16
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother has a wife that believes not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
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1 Corinthians 7:11
But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
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Matthew 5:32
But I say to you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.
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